Banongill South Soil Carbon Project

Banongill South Soil Carbon Project is a soil carbon sequestration project located approximately 10km south of Skipton in the Western District of Victoria. Registered in March 2024, the project covers a significant area of 4,580 hectares. The project operates on land historically associated with "Banongill Station," a prestigious agricultural holding renowned for its high-output mixed farming operations, including prime lamb, wool, cattle, and cereal cropping. The region is situated about 45 minutes west of Ballarat and is defined by its vast volcanic plains.

The project utilizes the 2021 Soil Carbon (Measurement and Models) methodology, which credits landholders for increasing Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) stocks over time. To achieve this, the project proponent, WET Holdings Pty Ltd, has committed to new management activities designed to boost carbon levels. Specifically, this project focuses on applying synthetic or non-synthetic fertilisers to address material nutrient deficiencies in the soil. By optimizing soil fertility, the project aims to increase plant growth and root biomass, thereby drawing more carbon from the atmosphere into the soil profile.

Environmentally, the Skipton area is characterized by the fertile but heavy soils of the Victorian Volcanic Plains. These soils are typically basalt-derived clays (often grey or heavy dark clays) and loams, which are highly productive but can be prone to waterlogging in winter. The region falls within a medium-to-high rainfall zone, supporting robust pasture growth essential for the intensive grazing and cropping systems prevalent in the district.

Banongill Station itself holds a unique place in Victorian history. Established in 1853 and once owned by the philanthropist Francis Ormond, the property is famous for its bluestone homestead and extensive daffodil gardens designed by William Guilfoyle. In late 2020, the station was sold by the fund manager Laguna Bay to a consortium of local farming families for approximately $80 million, transitioning it back into local hands. This soil carbon project likely represents a modern chapter in the sustainable management of this historic landscape.