Let's Talk Soil Carbon
Strive to Improve Your Soil health! And Keep Excellent Records and Soil Samples – that’s the message to farmers from internationally renowned soil carbon expert, Dr Terry McCosker at workshops held in Goondiwindi and Warwick recently.
More than 100 farmers and industry representatives attended the ‘Let’s Talk Soil Carbon’ workshops hosted by Southern Queensland Landscapes; many hoping to understand the complex legislation and identify ways to implement soil carbon sequestration on their own farm as a new income source.
While just 1% of all carbon projects currently underway in Australia is from agriculture, Resource Consulting Services (RCS) Director, Dr Terry McCosker told the gathering plans to improve the legislation are in progress to make it easier for agriculture to realise income from carbon projects.
“It’s a bit of a problem at the moment and the complexity and methodology outlined in the act makes it difficult for farmers to take part,” Dr Terry McCosker said.
“Currently the legislation allows for farmers to 1) measure their soil carbon improvement or 2) calculate improvements based on modelling developed by the CSIRO,” Dr McCosker said.
“Both have limitations in as much as measuring can be costly and for many small farms, it may not be viable,” he said.
“And with modelling it’s a blanket approach which gives everyone in a certain restricted region the same baseline, which means if you have been a proactive farmer practicing soil carbon sequestration techniques you will start on the same baseline as your neighbour who has done nothing; this is not the best fit for people outside high soil organic carbon regions as indicated via the CSIRO mapping.”
But a third option is in the pipeline; a hybrid approach which will combine the best of both methods 1) and 2) and hopefully resolve some of the complexities of implementation being experienced by the agricultural sector.
“It is going to get less complex and it will be more relevant to the agricultural industry in the future as we fine tune things; and I expect we are probably a year away from seeing the changes the industry needs,” Dr McCosker said.
“In the meantime, farmers should look at how they can improve the health of their soils and start putting in processes to keep excellent records of their activities to achieve improvements including basic agronomic soil samples; so that if the regulated market for ACCUs is not viable, there may be alternatives on the voluntary market. However focussing on productivity improvements should be the first priority.” he said.
“At the moment some farmers feel the work they have done in the past is not recognized and I understand their concern but any improvement in soil health will be contributing to productivity and profitability,”
“But I believe the problems with the current regulations are addressable if we keep communicating and pushing for change; however our first priority is to focus on improving soil and ecosystem health for better productivity and profitability. Any gains from carbon or environmental credits is a bonus for the future….”
Dr Terry McCosker will present at two more workshops set to be held in Chinchilla and Charleville during May and he encourages landholders in these regions to attend so they can plan and prepare for advantageous changes to the legislation which will see the adoption of soil carbon projects in agriculture made easier.
Let’s Talk Soil Carbon – Chinchilla
WHEN: 18 May 2021
WHERE: Chinchilla Cultural Centre, 80-85 Heeney Street, Chinchilla
REGISTER: https://bit.ly/32CT42r
CONTACT: Anita Erba at anita.erba@sqlandscapes.org.au
Let’s Talk Soil Carbon – Charleville
WHEN: 20 May 2021
WHERE: Charleville RSL
REGISTER: https://bit.ly/3eozCfl
CONTACT: Kate Percival at kate.percival@sqlandscapes.org.au
ENDS
1. What is Natural Capital? Natural capital refers to the natural resources and ecosystems, like soils, native vegetation, water, and biodiversity, that underpin productive farming and provide essential services such as clean water, healthy soils and carbon storage. For Queensland landholders, this means your land’s value now includes the environmental benefits it delivers, not just crops or livestock. While the term Natural Capital has risen to prominence with government, industry and the public in recent years, the sustainable use of our natural capital, its maintenance and improvement have been fundamental to regional NRM organisations since inception. Identifying and assessing our natural assets are foundational to the development of our regional NRM strategies and plans which guide our operations and provide us with the knowledge and expertise to play a key role in Australia’s efforts to manage and enhance our Natural Capital. 2. Why Does Natural Capital Matter in Agriculture? Australian agriculture is experiencing a shift where nature and production are seen as interconnected assets. This approach is being driven by both market demand and new government policies, with natural capital now influencing land values, investments, and farm business resilience. 3. How Can Farmers Monetise Natural Capital? Natural capital markets allow landholders to earn income by improving or protecting their land’s natural assets. The most common ways to participate include: Carbon Credits: Under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme, farmers can generate credits by adopting practices like reforestation, soil carbon improvement, or avoided clearing. These credits are regulated by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) and can be sold to the government or private buyers. Biodiversity Certificates: The new federal Nature Repair Market, established by the Nature Repair Act 2023, allows farmers to earn tradable biodiversity certificates for projects that restore or protect native ecosystems. The CER also administers this market, ensuring robust oversight and scientific credibility. Land Restoration Fund (LRF): Queensland’s LRF builds on the federal framework, offering extra incentives for projects that deliver both carbon abatement and environmental co-benefits, such as improved water quality or habitat restoration. The LRF works in tandem with the ACCU Scheme and prioritises projects that support regional sustainability. More Information: π www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/natural-capital/explained π www.cer.gov.au/schemes/australian-carbon-credit-unit-scheme π www.qld.gov.au/environment/climate/climate-change/land-restoration-fund π www.nrmrq.org.au/queensland-nature-fund-natural-capital π www.legislation.gov.au/C2023A00121/latest/text
The Board of Southern Queensland Landscapes is pleased to announce Kimberley Swords has been appointed as Chair of the Board of Directors. Kimberley began her working life as a large animal country vet, after student practical experience across Southern Queensland in Goondiwindi and Injune. Kimberley’s strong interest in natural resource management and regional communities has led her to contribute across a wide variety of industries including the public sector, where she rose to the role of Deputy Secretary in the Australian Government and led environmental approvals, heritage and marine. Her extensive leadership experience incorporates many board roles, including as a current serving member of the CS Energy board. “Following an extensive recruitment phase, where the Southern Queensland Landscapes Board were gratified to receive several high-quality applications, we are delighted to announce the subsequent overwhelming member endorsement of Kimberley as Board Chair. The appointment of a new Chair in any organisation represents an opportunity for refreshment and renewal and the Southern Queensland Landscapes Directors and staff are looking forward to working with Kimberley to deliver our Strategic Plan” said acting Southern Queensland Landscapes Chair, Louise Winten. Kimberly looks forward to engaging with stakeholders across Southern Queensland, with her first full board meeting set down for late June in Charleville. “It is an exciting and challenging time for the region, as we lean into the changing climate, different economic opportunities, and the next generation of regional leaders. I look forward to connecting and collaborating across our communities to better understand how Southern Queensland Landscapes can support sustainable environmental outcomes that materially improve the lives of people living and working in Southern Queensland,” she said. The position of Chair became vacant following the retirement of founding Chair, and long term supporter of regional natural resource management, The Honourable Bruce Scott, AM, at the end of February 2025. Bruce made a significant contribution to Southern Queensland Landscapes during his time as Chair and the Board thanks him for dedication, time, energy, and commitment to the organisation. Southern Queensland Landscapes is one of 11 Queensland-based Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisations. Spanning 314,398 square kilometres, the our footprint encompasses the Condamine catchment, Qld Murray Darling Basin and the south-west Mulga Lands. Southern Queensland Landscapes relies on evidence based information, supported by First Nations knowledge, to effectively balance productivity and environmental outcomes that support the regional communities within our landscapes. ο»Ώ
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Southern Queensland Landscapes is seeking an experienced and influential Board Chair to lead a multi-skilled Board in managing natural resources across Southern Queensland. This is a 3-year remunerated role based in Toowoomba, QLD, with the flexibility to manage from anywhere in Southern QLD. The ideal candidate will bring: • Substantial experience leading diverse Boards • Strong relationship-building and leadership skills • Expertise in environmental and agricultural matters This role is an opportunity to shape the future of natural resource management, working closely with land managers, community leaders, and industry professionals. Are you ready to make an enduring impact? For more details and to apply, visit www.windsor-group.com.au/job/board-chair-natural-resources-peak-body or contact Mike Conroy at apply@windsor-group.com.au.
This week marked the final Board meeting for retiring Southern Queensland Landscape Chair, The Hon Bruce Scott AM. The Southern Queensland Landscapes Board hosted a function at Gip’s restaurant in Toowoomba, joined by past Directors, industry stakeholders and the Southern Queensland Landscapes Management team, where Bruce was warmly acknowledged and thanked. Bruce offered special thanks to his dear wife Joan for her support during his period of service to Southern Queensland Landscapes, in particular the warm country hospitality she has offered to many visitors to Roma. Bruce also recognised and thanked Southern Queensland Landscapes Company Secretary Pam Murphy, who has supported Bruce in his service to Southern Queensland Landscapes since the organisation’s inception. ο»Ώ
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