Corporate Carbon Executive Director Gary Wyatt has welcomed remarks from Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson at the National Indigenous Carbon Forum, signalling that approval of two new Savanna Fire Management (SFM) methods under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) scheme is imminent.
Assistant Minister Wilson confirmed that public consultation on the proposed emissions-only and sequestration-plus-emissions avoidance methods has concluded, the independent Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee – DCCEEW (ERAC) has met, and advice will shortly be provided to the Minister. He indicated he expects to announce a decision on the new methods very shortly in early 2026.
Wyatt said the update provides an important signal of momentum and confidence in the integrity of the ACCU scheme, “The completion of consultation and ERAC review marks a significant milestone for the sector,”
“Sustainable growth in the carbon market depends on rigorous process, scientific credibility and genuine engagement. The Minister’s remarks reinforce that those principles remain central to the ACCU scheme.” said Wyatt.
SFM is widely regarded as the flagship ACCU method. Projects currently cover more than 34 million hectares of northern Australia, delivering emissions reductions at landscape scale while strengthening biodiversity and resilience to climate impacts.
Nearly three quarters of abatement achieved under the existing method has been delivered by Indigenous-managed projects since 2012, contributing more than 11 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions reductions. The Indigenous carbon industry is estimated to be worth approximately $59 million per year, supporting hundreds of jobs in remote communities.
Mr Wyatt said the new methods represent an important evolution of that success story, “These updated methods build on more than two decades of data, monitoring and practical experience on Country,”
“They are designed to reflect both avoided emissions and sequestration outcomes, while maintaining the scientific rigour that underpins market confidence.”
“SFM has demonstrated that Indigenous-led land stewardship can deliver measurable climate outcomes at scale. Ensuring the next generation of methods is robust and fit for purpose is critical to maintaining that trajectory.”
Mr Wyatt said clarity on method settings would support continued investment, long-term project planning and stable participation by Traditional Owners and land managers, “The ACCU scheme plays an essential role in Australia’s decarbonisation pathway, including supporting the Safeguard Mechanism and regional economic participation,”
“Providing certainty around these methods will help sustain momentum in a sector that is delivering both emissions reductions and tangible social and economic benefits in some of Australia’s most remote regions.” concluded Wyatt.
Mr Wyatt said the sector now looks forward to the Minister’s formal decision following completion of the final statutory steps.
About Corporate Carbon Group: Founded in 2010, Corporate Carbon Group is one of Australia’s leading carbon abatement project developers and owners. Delivering more than 15 million Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) to the CER and commercial clients, Corporate Carbon has deep expertise in identifying new emissions reduction opportunities, establishing projects, managing delivery risks, and navigating complex policy and legislation. Corporate Carbon is a member of the Carbon Market Institute and an Australian Carbon Industry Code of Conduct Foundation signatory. For more information: corporatecarbon.com.au
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