Proposed Carbon Farming Projects
Our corporation is commencing negotiations on two possible carbon farming projects, on behalf of Tagalaka People. If successful, the projects will potentially provide benefits to Tagalaka People by creating:
a revenue stream for the corporation;
jobs for the Tagalaka People; and
a framework for keeping our Country healthy where Tagalaka People would be working in partnership with the proponent and land holders / Station owners.
The carbon farming sector is developing quickly in Australia where it has already provided environmental, social, employment and cultural benefits to Indigenous communities so it is hoped that if negotiations are successful that these benefits will flow to our Tagalaka community.
What is Carbon Farming
All projects under the Emissions Reduction Fund must consider the rights of the relevant native title groups, the requirements of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (NTA) , the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011 (Cth) (CFI Act) and the relationship of these Acts with state laws relating to land ownership and pastoral leases.
The CFI Act establishes a scheme providing incentives for the conduct of activities on the land that will have the effect of reducing atmospheric carbon and other greenhouse gases. So, the CFI Act provides economic incentives for projects that ultimately keep Country healthy.
TAC’s hope is that by participating in carbon farming projects that it will provide a way of delivering sustainable economic development while Tagalaka People can continue to exercise their traditional rights and cultural obligations by keeping Country healthy.
Consent for the Carbon Farming Project
Under the CFI Act the proponent for the project must gain consent for the project from all the relevant land holders. TAC, as an eligible interest holder in the land, must provide consent for the project to proceed before the proponent can establish any legal right to carry out the project when they are in the Tagalaka Determination areas.
Additionally, once consent has been provided to the Clean Energy Regulator it cannot be withdrawn so it is important that Tagalaka People remain informed about the process.
The Clean Energy Regulator advises that best practice for project proponents is to enter into an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) with all relative native title holders, claimants and any other relevant parties to secure legal rights to carry out the project. Where consent is being provided by native title holders the NTA requirements must be taken into account in determining the process for consent.
This means if TAC considers that the projects are worth pursuing it will first consult with the Tagalaka People and seek Tagalaka People consent before entering into any agreements with the proponent.
Should any of our members have any questions regarding this please do not hesitate to contact us.