April 2026 Project Update
Understanding carbon and biodiversity markets can be complex. So, that’s exactly why the Little River Landcare Biodiversity Markets project is focused on knowledge, not pressure.
Supported by Landcare Australia’s Biodiversity in Action program, the project is helping local land managers build practical understanding of natural capital opportunities and assess whether carbon or biodiversity projects make sense for their individual farming systems.
Since launching in September 2025, the project has generated strong regional interest, with more than 20 producers attending the first workshop to explore carbon sequestration, biodiversity co‑benefits and the commercial realities of participating in emerging markets.
Learning first, decisions later
Feedback from the recent workshop highlighted that carbon and biodiversity markets take time to absorb, with many participants noting the value of hearing the information multiple times and gradually building understanding.
Each workshop delves deeper into the process, recognising that the carbon “space” is extensive and that producers are at different stages of readiness.
A key outcome of the session was the distribution of individual landholder reports generated by Renvo Ag. Each participant received:
- a mapped farm boundary,
- a link to Google Earth with multiple vegetation layers, and
- information showing how different vegetation types connect to current open markets.
This allowed producers to see, in real terms, how different carbon project options might perform on their own farms and included price differences, management requirements and potential ACCU returns per hectare per year.
For many, this practical, farm‑specific approach made opportunities clearer and more tangible
Knowing when carbon isn’t the right fit
Just as importantly, producers are gaining clarity on when carbon or biodiversity projects may not be viable for their management system and this clarity is considered a positive outcome of the project.
Rather than driving sign‑ups, the focus is on informed decision‑making.
One participant described the program as “refreshing”, noting that there were no forced outcomes or expectations to proceed beyond learning and assessment.
Project progress so far
The Little River Landcare Biodiversity Markets project has made steady progress since the announcement of the successful Biodiversity in Action grant and the release of an Expression of Interest for local participants.
Promotion through newsletters, social media, community newspapers and word of mouth has driven strong engagement across the region, reflecting growing interest in practical natural capital opportunities that deliver both environmental and business benefits.
The first workshop, held on 13 November 2025 at “Catombal”, brought together more than 20 land managers to hear expert presentations on:
- carbon farming opportunities,
- associated risks and considerations, and
- biodiversity co‑benefits linked to registered projects.
Allan Nicholson, Principal Salinity Officer with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), presented on a 20‑hectare site selected for an environmental planting project. His presentation examined soil type, hydrology and historic land use, while highlighting potential benefits such as improved water quality, reduced erosion and restoration of grassy box woodland habitat.
Project facilitator Phoebe Gulliver emphasised the importance of capability building:
“The most exciting part of this project is the learning process — supporting producers to map their own properties and determine whether a registered project is a viable business decision for their farm.”
She added:
“Farmers need simple processes and clear pathways. Understanding how to map their own farms and assess carbon sequestration potential is a practical first step.”
What’s next
Two further training workshops are scheduled for March 2026, alongside a planned ecological site survey.
These next stages will deepen participants’ understanding of both environmental outcomes and commercial considerations, ensuring future decisions are grounded in sound science and real farm business realities.
For more information contact: [email protected]