Sequestration of Carbon from Environmental Plantings QLD1

Sequestration of Carbon from Environmental Plantings QLD1 is an environmental planting project located in the Burdekin and Townsville local government areas, approximately 55km south-east of Townsville in Queensland. Registered in June 2025, the project covers roughly 380 hectares of land in a region traditionally utilised for grazing and agriculture.

This project operates under the Reforestation by Environmental or Mallee Plantings-FullCAM methodology. This involves establishing and maintaining permanent mixed-species plantings of native trees and shrubs, effectively converting cleared land back to forest cover. To meet the requirements, the planting must achieve a density capable of reaching forest cover status (typically at least 2 metres in height and 20% canopy cover) and consist of species local to the area.

The project is situated in a dry tropical climate characterised by highly seasonal rainfall, with wet summers and dry winters. The landscape in this region, often associated with the Townsville Coastal Plain or slightly inland near the Major Creek area, typically features soils ranging from cracking clays (Vertosols) to red and yellow earths (Kandosols or Dermosols), which support open woodland vegetation.

An interesting aspect of this project is its proponent, Rio Tinto Energy Services Pty Ltd. This initiative aligns with the mining major's broader strategy to invest in nature-based solutions and high-quality Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) to offset its operational emissions. Rio Tinto has also been linked to major carbon farming partnerships in Queensland, such as the Meldora platform, highlighting a significant corporate shift towards owning and developing land-based carbon assets.