How CFF partner Anthony Emmett has come home to Australia to lay the foundation for future generations through his carbon projects
The Carbon Farming Foundation (CFF) recently spoke with one of our carbon project landholders, Anthony Emmett from Greenprint Nature, to share his carbon farming journey.
Having spent much of his career in financial markets, Anthony decided to make a change and pursue a more tangible legacy. Here, he reflects on why he started his carbon projects, the potential he sees for the future, and why the CFF was the perfect partner for this new chapter.
Investing in Australia’s Future
“I spent my career in financial markets, but after years behind a computer screen, I wanted to do something more concrete. Something that would leave a physical mark,” Anthony told us. “I was always interested in environmental markets and reforestation, and carbon farming offered a way to combine my environmental interests with my trading background.”
After spending a decade overseas, Anthony returned to Australia with a fresh perspective. “Moving back gave me the opportunity to really pursue this interest. I found a property with lots of potential for reforestation and biodiversity gain, it was like a blank canvas. The land had been neglected, which gave me the perfect opportunity to start something new and meaningful.”
Anthony’s carbon projects, while initially driven by an altruistic desire, will also provide financial returns.
Creating a Positive and Tangible Environmental Legacy
Coming from a background in trading, Anthony grew increasingly frustrated by the lack of tangible outcomes in his career. “There was nothing physical at the end of a day of trading. I wanted to do something I could get my hands dirty with—literally. I enjoy going out on the land, learning new things, and contributing to the Australian landscape.”
What started as a pilot property for a carbon project, soon grew into something more. “I’ve gone from having a single property with a registered carbon project to planning several more. Currently, all the projects are based in New South Wales, but I’m open to expanding into other states.”
For Anthony, his carbon projects are about going above and beyond. “It’s key for me that my carbon projects exceed the baseline requirements of a carbon method. We’re working to establish greater biodiversity and native habitat potential, not just planting trees for a purely carbon outcome.”
Carbon Farming as the Solution
When asked about what led him to explore carbon farming, Anthony says, “My initial interest was in reforestation, and Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) provided a way to do that on a commercial scale. It was a natural progression from wanting to do something good for the environment to finding a model that could sustain itself financially. The trader in me also found the market dynamics of carbon credits fascinating.”
Choosing the Right Partner: Why CFF?
Anthony carefully took his time and did his research when choosing his carbon service provider. “I chose to work with Carbon Farming Foundation because of their fee-for-service model, which suited my needs. I wanted to build something that I could manage and expand myself. I wasn’t interested in a provider that would take a share of the project or the credits, like many others do.”
Anthony also found the expertise at CFF unmatched. “When I spoke to other carbon service providers, they didn’t seem to have much knowledge or experience with the Clean Energy Regulator or the regulatory landscape in general. Many of them hadn’t learned in many years what I had in a few months. Carbon Farming Foundation, on the other hand, really stood out. They understood the registration process and could clearly identify the opportunities and potentials in each project area.”
The Hidden Landscape of Gurrabeal, NSW
One of Anthony’s properties, Gurrabeal, holds significant importance to him. “It’s close to where we live, so I can visit regularly. The property is nestled between hill ranges, off a dirt road—it feels like authentic Australian countryside. The only noises you hear are from the animals.”
The land itself is rich with biodiverse potential. “It’s northern boundary is Murrumbucca Creek so there’s a lot of wildlife. It feels wild, largely because it hasn’t been farmed intensely for some time. The land was neglected and overgrown with weeds, so we’ve been testing out various weed control methods.”
Due to its hilly landscape and difficult terrain, the land wouldn’t offer much for traditional farming, but it’s perfect for reforestation. “This is what made it ideal for a carbon reforestation project. By restoring the land, we can help bring it back to its natural state, which in turn supports native biodiversity.”
Creating New Habitats for Neighbouring Endangered Koalas
Beyond the financial benefits, Anthony is most excited to see the changes to the landscape. “I’m looking forward to seeing the biodiversity thrive across the land. The land borders a region of significance for koala habitat, and I’m hoping that by restoring the landscape, we’ll see them return. There are a lot of animals there already, such as kangaroos, wombats, snakes and a variety of birds, including hawks. I’ve even set up a remote camera to try and capture sightings of koalas and quolls.”
Anthony has joined a program aimed at detecting koalas across vast rural landscapes. The program, called Koala Karaoke, is run by the NSW Local Land Services and has supplied Anthony with sound detectors to pick up the presence of koalas.
Understanding the Keys to Successful Carbon Projects
When asked about what he’s learned from the process, Anthony says, “I’ve learned a lot about what makes a property suitable for carbon farming. Working with CFF has given me a better understanding of the risks and potentials of different sites. The preliminary scoping process is much faster now.”
Looking ahead, Anthony is excited to continue expanding his carbon projects and contributing to Australia’s reforestation efforts. “The more I learn, the more confident I feel in identifying new opportunities. It’s a rewarding process—both for me and for the environment.”
Keen to learn more about our services and how they could benefit you? Take a look at our services or book in a free friendly call with one of our carbon experts here.
![AFN - Cert Accredited Expert [RGB]](https://carbonfarming.org.au/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/AFN-Cert-Accredited-Expert-RGB-e1725255016744-qti2uogw4b9a3s6au2d1bbf4utb8ggjuwvkj4qpce8.png "AFN – Cert Accredited Expert [RGB]")