Carbon Sequestration
We are investigating and supporting initiatives that will see greater carbon capture through enhancement of our natural environment.
Biosphere Blue Carbon Mapping Project
The Shire has partnered Western Port Biosphere Foundation to assess existing carbon stocks in the Port Phillip and Western Port shorelines and tidal wetland reserves. Research outcomes will identify the extent of mangrove saltmarsh and seagrass meadow ecosystems already in the Port Phillip and Westernport shoreline region and assess how future ecosystem management could optimise carbon sequestration capacity.
Find out more at Blue Carbon - Western Port Biosphere.
SECCCA Carbon Sink Study
This project aims to investigate the carbon sequestration opportunities for the Southeast Melbourne region, including trees/forests, terrestrial and blue carbon. This in turn will assist councils to invest in local projects that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, draw down carbon and meet the member Councils’ varying emission reduction and net zero targets.
Download: SECCCA Strategic Plan 2021 - 24
Soil carbon, Biodiversity and Regenerative Farming Field Days and Demonstration Pilots
In November 2021 the Shire, together with Melbourne Water and others, hosted the Zero Emission Farming Field Day which attracted 150 attendees (in person/online). Presentations can be found on our Zero Emissions Farming Conference page.
The Shire is co-funding the Regenerative Farming training program, a 7-week course designed to train a group of 25 farmers (annually) located in high rainfall areas in the Western Port, Bass Coast & Mornington Peninsula regions with comprehensive regenerative agriculture practices.
Find out more about the training program at Regenerative Agriculture Training Program 2022.
Natural capital and soil carbon field trials
Mornington Peninsula Shire and Melbourne Water (formerly the PPWCMA) have together conducted field trials at Barragunda Estate, Cape Schanck, to demonstrate to farmers the practical application of the Accounting For Nature method which uses the FullCAM soil carbon methodology as well as methods rewarded under the Agriculture Biodiversity Stewardship Package.
Farm Dam Greenhouse Gas emissions
The Shire is investigating a research project on farm dam Greenhouse Gas emissions.
Find out more at Farm dams - Blue Carbon Lab
Agroecology Strategy
Through consultation with local agriculture and the food manufacturing sector the Shire has developed a ‘Food Economy and Agroecology Strategy’ that aims to prepare the sector for the impacts of climate change and the opportunities in circular economy and green business opportunities.
Find out more at Draft Food Economy and Agroecology Strategy