Proposed Improved Avoided Clearing Method
What are we doing and why?
The Queensland Government is leading the development of the Improved Avoided Clearing of Native Regrowth (IACNR) carbon farming method, which is proposed to be included as a legislated method under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011.
The proposed new method is designed to replace and improve the current Avoided Clearing of Native Regrowth carbon farming method that will sunset on 1 April 2025. The current method has had limited uptake, predominantly due to restrictive eligibility requirements. The proposed new method will focus on improving eligibility for land holders by taking a more practical approach to demonstrating risk of re-clearing.
The department is also exploring how IACNR could be integrated with other carbon farming activities on cleared land into a single method, including planting and assisted regeneration of native vegetation.
What guides method development?
The development of the method is in line with the Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee’s decision in 2024 to shortlist the IACNR and three other methods for priority development. More information about this process can be found at the website of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) Method Development Tracker - DCCEEW.
The new method must meet the Offset Integrity Standards as determined by ERAC before being recommended to the relevant Australian Government minister for approval. Development of the method will consider each of these standards and provide evidence in support of the integrity claims.
What has been proposed?
A copy of the Department’s EOI submission to ERAC can be found in the right-hand column of this page under the heading Method EOI Documents.
The submission includes an overview of the proposed method, and the rationale and evidence to support the claims for the IACNR method. There are attachments to the submission that provide additional evidence and also include a proposal outlining how the IACNR activities could be integrated with other vegetation restoration activities where clearing has occurred.
These documents will inform the materials that are used for engaging with stakeholders through the method development process, which will focus on the IACNR method but will also consider how the range of restoration activities could operate within a single method and project.
What is happening and when?
Activities that the department will lead for the method development process are outlined below with proposed timeline for delivery:
| Proponent led activities | Proposed Timeframes |
|---|---|
| Initial stakeholder engagement seeking feedback on initial proposal | February – April 2025 |
| Collate evidence to support abatement activities and calculations | March – April 2025 |
| Draft a simple method guide and other supporting documents to support the method | May 2025 |
| Stakeholder engagement session on the final proposal | May 2025 |
| Finalisation of documentation and presentation to ERAC | July 2025 |
Following the final submission of draft method documents to ERAC, DCCEEW will undertake preparation of an exposure draft of the method. The ERAC Secretariat will lead public consultation on the exposure draft of the method. As the proponent led development of methods is a new process, the anticipated steps and timing outlined above may be subject to change.
How to engage with us:
Engagement on the proposed IACNR carbon farming method is welcome. Please contact natural.capital@des.qld.gov.au in the first instance.