The WA Landcare Network is working with key strategic partner Gondwana Link to spread the word about the multiple benefits possible from landholder involvement with carbon farming in Western Australia, and key issues to be aware of.
A new guide to the carbon farming industry prepared for WA Landcare Network and Gondwana Link by Carbon West was launched today. It provides easy information for farmers, landcarers and the community about carbon projects, carbon markets and carbon industry players in Western Australia.
View the new Carbon Industry Overview here https://bit.ly/3iY81DM
WA Landcare Network Chair, Mick Davis said ‘increasingly landowners want to know what the carbon market can offer them. They have heard of others being paid for carbon sequestration on their land and they want to know more.’
‘Our short guide provides easily understood information about carbon farming in Western Australia. We are keen for all West Australian’s to see the benefits and the pitfalls, not only for carbon sequestration but also for restoring and enhancing our valuable biodiversity and diversifying farm income,’ said Mr Davis.
‘WALN is aiming to build capacity in local communities to support engagement with the carbon farming industry in WA, allowing Western Australia to gain multiple benefits from carbon farming activities, he said.
The Carbon Industry Overview will be available on the WA Landcare Network website and distributed freely across the WA landcare community.
As a further step, WALN will be supporting a series of regional workshops with landcare groups on the topic of carbon farming. The workshops, funded through the WA State Natural Resource Management Program, will explain the Carbon Industry Overview, discuss opportunities available to farmers and landcarers, and gain feedback on the issues.
Mr Davis said, ‘WALN is will continue to liaise with the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development about the upcoming $15 million WA Carbon Farming and Land Restoration Program, announced by the McGowan Government in late November 2020 as part of the WA Climate Policy’.
‘We understand this important funding will support carbon farming projects on freehold land, develop new agricultural management techniques, restore natural landscapes, and support sustainability of the regions. Our new Carbon Industry Overview will assist farmers and landcarers to ready themselves for the new program and take full advantage of the opportunities available.’ said Mr Davis.
CEO of Gondwana Link, Keith Bradby, stressed that the next few years were of critical importance for the growth of carbon farming in Western Australia.
‘Farmers and other land managers face significant challenges – a drying climate, diminishing biodiversity, ongoing salinity and related degradation, along with changing markets that are increasingly questioning the sustainability of how commodities are produced. Carbon farming, done well, has great potential to address many of these challenges, covering core costs and often providing a return to the landholder. Our work with the WA Landcare Network is aimed at helping landholders grasp the carbon farming opportunities while minimising the risks,’ said Mr Bradby.
Dustin and Lisa McCreery from Chatfield’s Tree Nursery at Tammin are already growing a range of species on contract for diverse carbon planting projects across the state. From an industry perspective, they believe the Overview will be a helpful resource for farmers and the community to understand the basics about Carbon farming.
The WA Landcare Network will update information about the WA Carbon Farming and Land Restoration Program as further details become available.
If you are a farmer interested in knowing more about carbon farming contact the WA Landcare Network on enquiries@landcarewa.org.au.
Dustin and Lisa at Chatfield’s Nursery at Tammin with seedlings grown for Carbon plantings.
