Recent developments
9 May 2012
Methodology proposals open for public comment
The Domestic Offsets Integrity Committee has released another methodology for public comment.
The measurement-based methodology for farm forestry projects covers the establishment of trees on agricultural land that was previously clear of woody vegetation. The methodology is designed for use in farm forestry and this activity may involve the periodic removal of commercial and non-commercial above-ground biomass from the site.
Public comments will provide important input to the assessment of these proposals.
Interested stakeholders have until 18 June 2012 to submit comments on the proposed methodologies
2 May 2012
Methodology proposals open for public comment
The Domestic Offsets Integrity Committee has released another methodology for public comment.
The Destruction of methane from piggeries using engineered biodigesters methodology proposal involves the capture and combustion of methane from piggery manure by directing the waste stream into an engineered biodigester.
Public comments will provide important input to the assessment of these proposals.
Interested stakeholders have until 11 June 2012 to submit comments on the proposed methodologies.
23 April 2012
Methodology proposals open for public comment
The Domestic Offsets Integrity Committee has released two methodologies for public comment.
- The Diverting waste to an alternative waste treatment facility methodology proposal avoids methane emissions from landfill by diverting putrescible waste to a composting alternative waste treatment facility to manufacture a range of fit-for-purpose end products such as inputs into soil conditioners, potting mixes, landscape mulches, blended top soils, mine site remediation products and spill absorbents.
- The Avoided emissions from diverting waste from landfill through a composting alternative waste treatment technology methodology proposal avoids methane emissions from landfill by diverting putrescible waste materials from landfill and processing the materials through an aerobic composting alternative waste treatment facility.
Public comments will provide important input to the assessment of these proposals. Following the public comment period, the DOIC will conduct its final assessment and make recommendations to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency regarding approval of the proposals.
Interested stakeholders have until 2 June 2012 to submit comments on the proposed methodologies.
5 April 2012
Exposure draft regulations for the CFI Act
The Department has now released an exposure draft of the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Amendment Regulation (No. ) 2012 for public consultation. The amendment Regulations provide more information on auditing, reporting, the issuance of credits, and other matters beyond those addressed in the initial CFI Regulations.
A draft explanatory statement for the regulations has also been released, along with a paper discussing proposed amendments to the NGER framework to allow inclusion of CFI audits.
The consultation runs until 26 April 2012.
3 April 2012
Methodology proposals open for public comment
The Domestic Offsets Integrity Committee has released two more methodologies for public comment.
- The Native forest protection projects methodology proposal involves the protection of native forests through the prevention of clearing and clear felling harvesting activities.
- The Reforestation and afforestation methodology proposal involves the reforestation of cleared land and afforestation on land where no forests previously existed in order to sequester carbon.
Public comments will provide important input to the assessment of these proposals. Following the public comment period, the DOIC will conduct its final assessment and make recommendations to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency regarding approval of the proposals.
Interested stakeholders have until 13 May 2012 to submit comments on the proposed methodologies.
22 December 2011
Regulations made to underpin the CFI
The Governor-General has made regulations to underpin the CFI and the ANREU. These regulations come into force on 8 December 2011, as the date set by Proclamation by the Governor-General for the commencement of sections 3-307 of the CFI Act. Further regulations will be released for consultation early in 2012. The regulations and proclamation are available on the ComLaw website.
8 December 2011
Carbon Farming Initiative open for business
The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet, the Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Mark Dreyfus QC and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, welcomed the launch of the Carbon Farming Initiative Administrator.
The Carbon Farming Initiative is a key component of the Gillard Government's Clean Energy Future plan and enables farmers, land owners, local government and a range of other stakeholders to reduce carbon pollution while generating extra revenue.
See also: Media release from Minister Greg Combet.
31 October 2011
Exposure draft regulations for the proposed ANREU Act
Australian National Registry of Emissions Units Regulations 2011 (ANREU Act)
The government has now released an exposure draft of the proposed ANREU Act for public consultation.
A draft explanatory statement for the regulations has also been released.
The consultation runs until 14 November 2011.
21 October 2011
Guidelines for the Positive and Negative Lists
The Department has published guidelines to propose activities for the Positive and Negative Lists of the Carbon Farming Initiative:
- Positive List—identifies activities that would be considered additional and eligible to participate in the scheme, and
- Negative List—identifies activities that are ineligible in certain circumstances because they risk adverse impacts on communities and the environment.
30 September 2011
The Domestic Offsets Integrity Committee has published a new methodology for public comment under the Carbon Farming Initiative.
The new methodology, seeks to avoid emissions by diverting waste from landfill to process engineered fuel manufacture.
Interested stakeholders have until 9 November 2011 to submit comments on the proposed methodology.
23 August 2011
Legislation—Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Bill 2011—to underpin the Carbon Farming Initiative was passed by Parliament on 23 August 2011. The scheme will be operational in three months time, from the start of December 2011. An explanatory memorandum, which explains each of the provisions in the legislation, is also available.
16 August 2011
The Government has tabled its response to the inquiry by the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee into the Carbon Farming Initiative legislation. The Committee presented its final report on 27 May 2011. The Committee's report made nine recommendations. The Government's response to each of these recommendations is available.
16 August 2011
Exposure draft regulations on the positive and negative lists
The Government has now released exposure draft regulations on the positive and negative lists for public consultation.
The consultation runs until 16 September 2011.
14 July 2011
Enabling Indigenous participation in the Carbon Farming Initiative
The Department has now released a consultation paper that covers how Indigenous landholders can participate in the Carbon Farming Initiative and outlines outstanding issues in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land.
This consultation provides an opportunity for stakeholders to comment on the approach to native title and land rights issues.
Interested stakeholders have until 9 September 2011 to submit comments on the paper.
1 June 2011
Positive and Negative Lists for the Carbon Farming Initiative
The Department has now released a consultation paper covering the positive and negative lists.
- The Positive list identifies activities that would be considered additional and eligible to participate in the scheme, and
- The Negative list identifies activities that are ineligible in certain circumstances because they risk adverse impacts on communities and the environment.
This consultation provides an opportunity for stakeholders to comment on the approach to developing the Positive and Negative Lists and to propose activities for consideration. Interested stakeholders have until 30 June 2011 to submit comments on the paper.
25 May 2011
First methodologies published for public comment
The Domestic Offsets Integrity Committee has published for public comment the first offset methodology proposed under the Carbon Farming Initiative.
Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Mark Dreyfus, said the savanna burning methodology was proposed by the Government.
Interested stakeholders have until 30 June 2011 to submit comments on the proposed methodology.
21 April 2011
Publication of preliminary Carbon Farming Initiative abatement estimates
The Department has published a paper detailing preliminary indicative estimates of abatement likely as a result of the Carbon Farming Initiative in 2020.
24 March 2011
Carbon Farming legislation introduced to Parliament
Legislation - Carbon Credits(Carbon Farming Initiative) Bill 2011—has been introduced to the Parliament to deliver the Government's election commitment to establish the Carbon Farming Initiative.
The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency outlined key changes to the exposure draft to take account of stakeholder feedback and said that the Government aims to pass the legislation by 1 July 2011.
An explanatory memorandum, which explains each of the provisions in the legislation, is also available.
12 March 2011
Domestic Offsets Integrity Committee open for business
The Domestic Offsets Integrity Committee is now accepting methodologies for assessment.
Applications for assessment of proposed Carbon Farming Initiative methodologies must be prepared in accordance with the Interim Guidelines for Submitting Methodologies using the template provided.
20 January 2011
Extension of deadline for submissions
In recognition of the difficulty faced by stakeholders impacted by recent fires and floods, the deadline for submissions on the proposed design of the Carbon Farming Initiative has been extended to 4 February 2011.
4 January 2011
Draft legislation and methodology submission guidelines released
Draft legislation for the Carbon Farming Initiative and draft guidelines for submitting methodologies for assessment under the scheme were released by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, the Hon Greg Combet AM MP and the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig.
An annotated version of the November consultation paper (PDF 922 kB) has been prepared to show where to find relevant clauses of the draft legislation.
This information is being made available for consultation purposes to help stakeholders prepare their submissions on the proposed scheme design. Submissions are due by 4 February 2011.
Stakeholder feedback will be taken into account in finalising the legislation and guidelines following the submission period.
22 November 2010
Consultation paper released
The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency announced the release of a consultation paper on the design of the Carbon Farming Initiative which seeks feedback on options.
Interested stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the proposed scheme design by making a submission to the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency by 4 February 2011.
November/December 2010
Workshops with Carbon Farming Initiative stakeholders
The Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency held workshops with Carbon Farming Initiative stakeholders around Australia throughout November and December to discuss design proposals for the scheme.
View the workshop presentation (PDF 299 kB).
27 October 2010
Domestic Offsets Integrity Committee established
The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency recently announced the appointment of the interim Domestic Offsets Integrity Committee.