Carbon Farming on the Cape

The Land Restoration Fund is a flagship program that supports carbon farming projects and climate change mitigation programs in Queensland.

Cape York NRM and project partners The Nature Conservancy and CSIRO will work with land managers to explore the potential for coordinated carbon projects across 14 Normanby basin properties.

‘Alongside the feasibility study, Indigenous fire practitioners will share their knowledge with local rangers in cultural burning techniques,’ Cape York NRM CEO John Gavin said.

‘Traditional savanna burning reduces the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere, as it promotes ‘cool burning’ – which is burning at the start of the dry season, when the fuel load is low, to prevent wildfires later in the season when the fuel load is high.

‘We will also examine the carbon storage potential of the Normanby basin’s endangered littoral vine forests and develop recommendations on how best to maximise carbon capture in these ecological communities.

‘By taking a collective approach, Cape York NRM and its project partners hope to maximise environmental and economic outcomes for Normanby basin land managers and showcase the potential of carbon farming.”

Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch said the Queensland Government was proud to support this initiative, which enables First Nation’s peoples to care for country.

‘This project will deliver clear environmental, social and economic benefits across the Cape York community,’ Ms Enoch said.

‘This project will help Queensland meet its carbon emission targets, and protect threatened species and ecological communities.’

The project is supported by the Queensland Government and delivered by Cape York NRM, the CSIRO and The Nature Conservancy