Summary
This project investigated the carbon sequestration potential of commercially important native forest regrowth across North East and South East New South Wales and South, Central, and North Queensland. It also examined limitations of Australia’s National Carbon Accounting System (NCAS) and the Full Carbon Accounting Model (FullCAM) in estimating net carbon emissions from native forestry and in informing policy. Spatial analysis and modelling were used to assess regrowth, emissions trends, carbon sequestration potential, and the influence of forest management on wildfire behaviour.
The findings identified six key limitations of NCAS and FullCAM that constrained their ability to accurately estimate the carbon balance of native forestry. Ongoing large-scale re-clearing of regrowth indicated that existing Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) methods were not incentivising retention of commercially important regrowth. Wildfire modelling estimated that native forestry silvicultural management could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from wildfires and lower the risks to people, livestock, and infrastructure. This contradicts the NCAS assumption that management makes little difference to wildfire outcomes and their associated carbon emissions
The report detailed recommendations that centred on reforming NCAS and FullCAM to ensure they are effective tools for native forestry and policy design, developing a native forestry ACCU method to support regrowth retention and management, and improving forest regrowth data to support better decision-making.
NB: This publication is intended to provide reference material for general information purposes only. It does not constitute legal or other professional advice.
Acknowledgement of funding
This report was commissioned by the North East NSW Regional Forestry Hub with funding from the Australian Government, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Disclaimer
Reports prepared for Regional Forestry Hubs, and any recommendations contained in the reports, are provided as received by the Hub and are not endorsed positions of the Hub. They do not constitute Australian Government policy.
