A carbon farming company is one step closer to a hardwood eucalyptus farm in the Northampton Shire after a development application was approved at last month’s council meeting.

Outback Carbon wants to establish a hardwood eucalyptus tree farm to increase biodiversity and sustainability in the northeastern part of the shire.

Outback Carbon general manager Kent Broad was jointly responsible for establishing almost 13,000 hectares of biodiverse carbon plantings in the Mid West region over 10 years, potentially storing more than two million tonnes of CO2e within the trees and soil over 25 years.

The application was approved at the December 16 council meeting.

Outback Carbon has yet to secure ownership of the proposed site.

With the landowner’s consent, the proposed tree farm would create carbon credits and high quality hardwood while maintaining agricultural activities on the property. The trees would be kept for 40 years before harvest and used for high quality hardwood timber products.

The proposal requires 1600 of 2021.50 hectares of land. About 25% of the suitable land area will have trees planted in rows. Improved grasses and legumes for future grazing opportunities would be planted between the rows.

What are your thoughts on tree farms being used for carbon credits? Is a 40 year lifespan long enough to ensure carbon credit schemes aren't being misused? 

Let me know!