Approved Advisers Program under the Carbon Farming Advice Scheme
Approved Advisers under the Carbon Farming Advice Scheme are approved professional advisers who are suitably qualified to provide advice on carbon farming and the Land Restoration Fund (LRF).
About the Land Restoration Fund's Approved Adviser Program
The Approved Adviser Program aims to create a network of experienced advisers throughout Queensland who can assist landholders with deciding whether carbon farming is suitable for their land and business.
Approved Advisers may be able to assist landholders with information about:
- the opportunities and implications of undertaking a carbon farming project
- the underpinning regulatory framework and approved methods of generating carbon credits in Australia
- the LRF and its relationship with carbon farming including co-benefits
- environmental markets
- evaluating the carbon and biodiversity potential of a property
- how to access and interpret site specific information including:
- land tenure restrictions and requirements
- obligations for commitment of land in both area and time
- application of potential methods
- potential co-benefits
- legal and financial considerations of undertaking a carbon farming project including an indicative cost benefit analysis that could influence a land holder’s decision to lodge an application for the LRF.
Apply to be an Approved Adviser
Prior to submission: Applicants are required to complete the free Land Restoration Fund Approved Adviser Certification course (45 mins) and gain a certificate of completion.
Eligible applicants will be required to demonstrate their skill through providing evidence of:
a) certificate of completion from the Land Restoration Fund Approved Adviser Certification course; and
b) commentary on experience and industry specialisation; and
c) up to date resume detailing experience; and
d) evidence of adequate insurance – Public liability ($10 million) and professional indemnity insurance ($2 million) cover to be held by a relevant
professional organisation; and
e) evidence of qualifications or industry membership as required for the relevant adviser profession.
Once certified, Approved Advisers will be added to a list of qualified Approved Advisers on QRIDA's website, and may be contacted by landholders and others seeking carbon farming advice.
Carbon Farming Advice Scheme
The Carbon Farming Advice Scheme (CFAS) is currently closed. Approved Advisers will be notified via email of any future rounds of the Scheme. Non-Advisers can sign up to the Land Restoration Fund mailing list to receive information about the Scheme and other carbon farming opportunities available through the Queensland Government.
Benefits of being an LRF Approved Adviser
The decision to start a carbon farming project is complex, and many land holders rely on professional advice to help them decide if carbon farming is right for their business.
Becoming an Approved Adviser provides an opportunity to use your professional industry expertise to support land holders to better understand opportunities associated with carbon farming, particularly those offered by the LRF.
Eligible professionals to become Approved Advisers
| Profession | Qualification | Experience |
| Solicitor | Valid and current practising certificate. | Experience in providing commercial legal advice to land holders.
|
| Accountant | Full membership as a Chartered Accountant; Certification as a Certified Practicing Accountant; or membership to the Institute of Public Accountants.
| Experience in providing business accounting advice to land holders. |
| Carbon Project Developer | A signatory to the Carbon Market Institute Code of Conduct. | Experience as a carbon farming Project Developer (also known as a carbon agent, aggregator or carbon service provider)
|
| Environmental Consultant | A relevant environmental qualification and membership with the relevant industry association e.g., Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand.
| Experience in providing advice to land holders. |
| Agribusiness Adviser | An Adviser to agribusiness such as an agronomist, environmental planner, environmental economist, or other consultant. | Experience in providing advice to land holders. |
Frequently asked questions
If there are any changes to your circumstances, you must contact QRIDA on Freecall 1800 623 946 or email CarbonFarmingAdviceScheme@qrida.qld.gov.au as this may change your eligibility to be an Approved Adviser.
Should it be determined that you no longer meet the eligibility for an Approved Adviser, you will be advised in writing where a decision has been taken to suspend of cancel approval. This letter will detail the reasons and justification which informed this decision.
Yes. Once you have been engaged by a landholder and provided written advice which complies with the CFAS standards, the landholder will submit the written advice and completed invoice to QRIDA as a claim for financial assistance.
QRIDA will pay the invoice amount including GST, up to the value of $10,000, directly to you.
If the invoice is for an amount greater than $10,000, this will be the responsibility of the landholder.
There is no minimum requirement for quotes this round, although quotes should allow landholders to understand the advice and services being provided.
Quotes should reflect the landholder’s individual requirements, but where work is standardised, templating is acceptable.
No. The landowner chooses which adviser will best fit their situation.
Insurance minimums have been adjusted to accommodate small business/solo practitioners as the Approved Adviser program intended. Public liability ($10 million) and professional indemnity insurance ($2 million) to be held by a relevant professional organisation.
If you would like to discuss an application or apply for a review of a decision email Approvedadvisers@des.qld.gov.au.
To apply to be an Approved Adviser, the Land Restoration Fund Approved Adviser Certification course must be completed and a Certificate of Completion submitted with the QRIDA application.
