Eco Markets (EMA) has concluded the public consultation process on the Australasian Catchment Water Improvement Standard (ACWIS) Method for Accounting Fine Sediment Abatement Through Improved Grazing Land Management (GLM) v1.0.

This methodology provides a nationally consistent, scientifically robust framework for quantifying fine sediment (FS) reductions achieved through improved grazing land management. It builds on the previously approved Reef Credit GLM Method, which underwent extensive peer review and public consultation, and adapts it for broader national application under ACWIS.

Fine sediment is one of the major contributors to water quality decline in Australian catchments. When mobilised from hillslopes, FS reduces water clarity, damages freshwater and marine ecosystems, and diminishes the resilience of downstream habitats. Many catchments are affected by accelerated erosion exacerbated by land use pressures, particularly grazing. The GLM Method supports landholders to increase ground cover, reduce hillslope erosion, and improve catchment water quality, with eligible projects able to generate integrity assured ENVOMARK Credits.

Consultation documents: 

1. ACWIS GLM Public Consultation Discussion Paper and Feedback Form
2. ACWIS GLM Methodology
3. Methodology Explanatory Statement

Public Consultation is now closed. Please find a summary below of feedback received.

Stakeholder feedback on the ACWIS Grazing Land Management (GLM) Methodology indicated broad support for its adoption as a scientifically robust and nationally consistent framework for generating water quality outcomes. Built upon the Reef Credit GLM Methodology, respondents generally agreed that the ACWIS GLM Methodology offers significant enhancements for wider application by addressing hill slope delivery ratio, the full scope of fine sediment particle size and a comprehensive approach addressing the attenuation of benefit from the farm gate to the impacted asset of concern. The method is considered suitable for national application and aligns well with ACWIS governance, verification requirements, and registry systems.

There was strong support for several of the methodology’s core design elements. Adopting a <63 µm fine sediment definition was seen as improving consistency with national and international standards, although some stakeholders noted the need to account for finer particle sizes in reef catchments. As a result, greater clarification was incorporated into the method where the <63 µm fine sediment definition can be adjusted where regionally specified thresholds (e.g. in WQIPs) apply, ensuring flexibility and application of best available science.

The move from monthly to seasonal accounting was also endorsed, as it improves data reliability and aligns better with grazing management cycles while reducing gaps caused by cloud cover and variability in satellite data. In addition, stakeholders supported technical improvements such as Dynamic Reference Cover Modelling, expanded reference pixel selection, and mandatory soil sampling, all of which enhance the accuracy and credibility of sediment abatement estimates.

The methodology’s conservative approach to managing uncertainty and environmental integrity was also well received. Stakeholders supported the use of a default hillslope delivery ratio alongside flexibility for region-specific alternatives, as well as the structured framework for benefit attenuation. Similarly, the inclusion of defined procedures for leakage and disturbance was seen as a practical and necessary improvement that addresses risks identified in earlier methods. Overall, these safeguards were viewed as striking an appropriate balance between integrity and flexibility.

Some stakeholders noted the overall complexity of the methodology, which may pose challenges for landholder participation, and recommended further simplification or supporting materials such as worked examples and sensitivity testing. The Explanatory Statement and Guide have been prepared and will accompany the methodology.

Finally, respondents emphasised the importance of consistency between the ACWIS GLM Methodology and existing Reef Credit approaches. Ensuring alignment, or eventual harmonisation, across schemes was highlighted as important for maintaining confidence and integrity in emerging environmental markets.