Mount Gambier Landfill Gas Project

The Mount Gambier Landfill Gas Project is a waste emission reduction project located at the Caroline Landfill, approximately 12 kilometers southeast of the city of Mount Gambier in South Australia. Registered on June 29, 2022, the project is operated by LMS Energy Pty Ltd, Australia’s largest landfill biogas company. The facility is situated on Kain Road in the locality of Yahl, an area within the District Council of Grant known for its agricultural productivity. The project operates across the 55-hectare landfill site, which serves as the primary waste disposal facility for the Mount Gambier community.

The project operates under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative, Landfill Gas) Methodology Determination 2015. This methodology involves the installation of a gas collection system, comprising vertical extraction wells and pipework, to capture methane generated by the decomposition of organic waste. Without such intervention, this potent greenhouse gas would vent directly into the atmosphere. Once captured, the gas is combusted (flared or used for electricity generation), converting the methane into carbon dioxide, which has a significantly lower global warming potential.

Regionally, the site is part of the Limestone Coast, a distinct area defined by its cool, wet climate and fertile soils. The landscape surrounding the project is dominated by the Green Triangle forestry plantations (radiata pine) and dairy farming, supported by the region's rich volcanic loam and limestone-based soils. The area typically experiences reliable winter-dominant rainfall, creating ideal conditions for biomass accumulation and, consequently, significant organic waste streams.

An interesting aspect of this project is its integration with local council sustainability goals. In 2021, the City of Mount Gambier engaged in a public consultation process to lease a portion of the Caroline Landfill specifically for this gas extraction service, highlighting a collaborative approach between local government and private industry to manage legacy waste emissions. The project is designed to capture gas from both legacy (historical) and non-legacy waste, ensuring comprehensive emission reductions.