MEDIA RELEASE
14 August 2025
Public consultation opens on new savanna burning method - a major step for Australia’s carbon market and Indigenous-led climate action
Wurundjeri Country, Melbourne, Australia - Corporate Carbon Group (CCG), one of the country’s largest and longest-operating savanna fire management project developers, today welcomed the announcement by the Hon. Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, that two new Australian savanna fire management methods have progressed to public consultation.
The announcement, made at the Carbon Market Institute’s 2025 Australasian Emissions Reduction Summit in Melbourne, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing reform of the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme.
The updated savanna burning methods propose two distinct crediting approaches: one for avoided emissions and one for carbon sequestration. Building on over a decade of operational experience, and tens of thousands of years of First Nations cultural fire knowledge that has shaped northern Australia’s landscapes, the methods embed contemporary science, strengthened integrity standards, and formal recognition of traditional fire practices.
Advanced tools like the Savanna Carbon Accounting Model (SavCAM) enable crediting for both emissions avoided from early dry season burning and carbon removals from enhanced biomass recovery.
Having undergone rigorous review, the new and updated methods reflect advice from the Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee (ERAC) and recommendations from the Independent Review of ACCUs.
"This is an important milestone for savanna fire management projects, which deliver significant climate, biodiversity and cultural outcomes in remote Australia,” said Gary Wyatt, Managing Director, Corporate Carbon. “Credible, updated methods will give confidence to investors, support ongoing community benefits, and strengthen the role of Indigenous-led burning in meeting Australia’s climate goals.”
Savanna fire management projects currently operate across more than 330,000 square kilometers of northern Australia, delivering verified emissions reductions, supporting regional employment opportunities, and restoring biodiversity in some of the country’s most ecologically and culturally significant regions.
“Opening the draft methods for public consultation ensures that a broad range of voices, including Indigenous communities, scientists, and industry stakeholders, can contribute to refining them for lasting impact,” said Mr Wyatt.
A vital tool for national decarbonisation
The updated methods arrive at a critical moment. Industrial entities covered by the Safeguard Mechanism will need to surrender 20-30 million ACCUs annually by 2030. Without new and updated methodologies like savanna fire management, carbon credit supply may fall short, driving up compliance costs and undermining Australia’s climate goals.
CCG estimates that, with application across both existing and new project areas, the new methods could unlock millions of additional ACCUs over the next decade, directly supporting Australia’s 2030 and 2050 emissions reduction targets.
Delivering benefits on Country
Savanna fire management is one of the most successful examples of First Nations-led climate action under the ACCU Scheme, already delivering over $50 million annually to Indigenous organisations. With broader crediting and increased uptake, the updated methods are expected to scale these benefits by creating more ranger jobs, strengthening cultural burning, and investing in community-led solutions to climate change.
“These methods are a practical pathway to climate integrity and regional resilience ... we’re proud to support their development and look forward to seeing them finalised,” concluded M. Wyatt.
Following the public consultation, next steps are expected to include:
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Review of submissions and finalisation of the methods by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
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Recommendation from ERAC to the Minister Climate Change and Energy that the methodology be made.
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Ministerial approval.
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Media enquiries: Claire Maloney | [email protected] | 0431 279 785
About Gary Wyatt, Managing Director, Corporate Carbon Group
Gary Wyatt is an Honorary Industry Fellow at the University of Technology Sydney’s finance department. He has over two decades’ experience in commodities trading, structured finance, and environmental markets. Since joining Corporate Carbon in 2014, Gary has led the company to become one of Australia’s most experienced carbon project developers.
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About us:
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.
Contact details:
Claire Maloney
0431 279 785