Avoided clearing of native regrowth method

This Methodology Determination (method) provides the rules for crediting emissions reductions to landholders who protect native forests that have repeatedly been cleared for cropping or grazing. Landholders must demonstrate they have the permission to clear existing native forest that has been cleared twice in the past. As part of the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF), crediting is based on carbon captured by not clearing the forest.

Read the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative – Avoided clearing of native regrowth) Methodology Determination 2015.

Using the method

The department develops the methods and has policy oversight of the ERF.

The Clean Energy Regulator manages project registration, compliance and crediting emissions reductions for projects under the ERF. To use this method in your project and take part in the ERF, you need to apply to the Clean Energy Regulator.

View eligibility requirements and how to apply on the Clean Energy Regulator website.

Calculating the abatement

Project proponents must use the Full Carbon Accounting Model (FullCAM) software to calculate the carbon abatement of their projects.

There is specific guidance for using FullCAM with this method

Read the FullCAM Guidelines for the Avoided clearing of native regrowth method [4.9MB PDF] [2.7MB DOCX]. (includes both options of 2020 FullCAM Public Release)

Download FullCAM.

Project proponents need to meet the requirements of the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI) Mapping Guidelines for mapping project areas and carbon estimation areas.

Read the CFI Mapping Guidelines.

Variation to the method

A variation to the method was made in 2018 and to six other methods to reflect the retirement of the online Carbon Farming Initiative Mapping Tool (CFI Mapping Tool).

The Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee (ERAC)  conducts public consultations. Once finalised the ERAC advises the Minister on whether the method meets the offsets integrity standards.

Public consultation, drafting of the method, and the ERAC’s advice to the Minister is on the department’s Consultation Hub.

Read more

• Environmental data—including forest cover data layers—is available on data.gov.au
• The department is responsible for developing methodology determinations
• The Emissions Reduction Fund incentivises Australian businesses to cut the amount of greenhouse gases they create and to undertake activities that store carbon
• This method is enabled by the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011 which also enables the 2015 Rule and 2011 Regulations

Contact us

Email ERFforests@industry.gov.au