Malthoid Soil Carbon Project

Malthoid Soil Carbon Project is a soil carbon sequestration project located in the locality of Carbine Creek, approximately 30 kilometers west of Capella in the Central Highlands region of Queensland. Registered in December 2025, the project covers a substantial area of 5,439 hectares. The property, known as "Malthoid," operates within a region heavily dedicated to cattle grazing and is situated roughly 70 kilometers north-west of the major agricultural hub of Emerald.

The project operates under the 2021 Soil Carbon methodology (Estimation of Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration using Measurement and Models). This method allows landholders to earn carbon credits by measuring increases in soil organic carbon stocks over time. To achieve this, the proponents, Gregory and Sonya Spencer, are implementing changes to their grazing management, specifically altering the stocking rate, duration, or intensity of grazing. These activities are designed to improve soil health and vegetation cover, thereby increasing the amount of carbon stored in the soil profile.

The environment in the Central Highlands is characterized as semi-arid to sub-tropical with highly variable, summer-dominant rainfall averaging between 600mm and 800mm annually. The region is renowned for its fertile soil types, predominantly Vertosols (cracking clay soils) associated with the "Brigalow Belt," as well as areas of scrub soil and black soil downs. These heavy clay soils generally have high water-holding capacity and fertility, making them well-suited for carbon sequestration efforts when pasture cover is maintained.

Participating in the project alongside the proponents is Carbon Link Operations, a Queensland-based soil carbon aggregator. Interestingly, Malthoid Station has a long history in the district; historical records indicate it was an active pastoral run as far back as the mid-20th century, employing station hands who later served in the Australian military. Today, the property continues this pastoral tradition while integrating modern carbon farming practices.