Client story: Austin Downs Station

Validating decades of regeneration and biodiversity improvement at Austin Downs 

Austin Downs Station needed to demonstrate the tangible value of their environmental regeneration.

RSM provided rigorous, independent verification of their biodiversity data against the requirements of the Accounting for Nature® Framework. This process confirmed the calculated ecological condition score (Econd®) and strengthened trust with key stakeholders while supporting opportunities to participate in emerging nature markets.

Austin Downs Station is a pastoral property with a deep-rooted commitment to land stewardship.

For over twenty-five years, the family has dedicated themselves to regenerating the country, operating on the belief that the land holds significant potential for recovery. Austin Down uses its natural capital assets to create sustainable income for rangeland regeneration through Australia’s carbon markets.

However, when the integrity of Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) came under public scrutiny, the station risked being undervalued in the market.

Jo Jackson King and the team at Austin Downs quickly realised that standard methods of measuring stored carbon failed to capture the full scope of their regeneration story. It couldn’t account for the broader biodiversity story that was central to their work. This left a fundamental gap in how their environmental performance was being measured and understood.

To combat scepticism and differentiate their project, they needed indisputable proof of their environmental impact. They required a high standard of verification that went beyond basic compliance to prove the legitimacy of their work to investors, Traditional Owners, and the wider market.

Jo says, “We realised that a gold standard approach and repeated independent third-party verification of biodiversity was the only way to change people’s perceptions.”

Why the Accounting for Nature® Framework ticked all the boxes

Austin Downs Station explored a wide variety of approaches for measuring environmental conditions. However, they needed a method that was scientifically robust, independently verified, and suitable for application on a working pastoral property. 

The Accounting for Nature® Framework meets these requirements by combining scientifically developed methods with independent assurance and certification processes.

Key features include:

• Accredited environmental condition methods developed and peer reviewed by independent scientists. This ensures the indicators and condition benchmarks are scientifically credible.
• Methods designed for practical application on working landscapes, including pastoral properties.
• Independent auditing by Accounting for Nature® Accredited Auditors. They assess whether the Environmental Account has been implemented in accordance with the Framework and the approved method.
• Independent certification by Accounting for Nature, providing a layer of oversight and integrity.
• Standardised environmental condition or "Econd®" scores. This makes results easy to communicate to land managers, stakeholders, and the public.

Together, these elements provide a transparent and credible system for measuring, verifying, and communicating environmental condition.

Finding the right partner for independent, accredited environmental and nature‑market assurance

Jo worked with Bush Heritage Australia to conduct a baseline ecological assessment of Austin Downs using an Accounting for Nature® Accredited Method. The assessment established the initial environmental condition score for the property and formed the basis of the Environmental Account. 
To ensure the results met the highest standards of credibility, Jo also wanted the account to undergo an independent third-party audit under the Accounting for Nature® Framework. After meeting with other audit providers, Jo was impressed with RSM’s approach. Jo recalls, “The first group of accountants did not ask one question of Bush Heritage staff about the method they had used. They were also much more expensive. This was apparently because they were unfamiliar with the methodology.” 

The experience with RSM was markedly different.

“RSM staff used their meeting to understand Bush Heritage’s methods. The difference was staggering... RSM staff were tirelessly exacting and looked for ways to make sure their audit was going to improve any other work they did in future.”

Verified credibility and a stronger market position 

RSM’s independent audit confirmed a 76.4out of 100 Econd® score for Austin Downs. This is a significant achievement that scientifically validates more than two decades of regeneration work. This independent verification has delivered measurable benefits to the business.

For Jo, the result was also deeply personal.

“My father had independent acknowledgement of how very well spent his last 25 years had been… the 76.4 Econd® score was wonderful recognition of his reasoning and his work.” — Jo Jackson King

Unlocking 'Carbon Plus' potential

With verified biodiversity data behind them, Austin Downs can now market their carbon units as ‘Carbon Plus^TM’ labelled units: ACCUs with scientifically supported biodiversity measurement. This positions them for future premium pricing once they enter the market.

Stakeholder confidence

The verification has strengthened credibility with essential partners. 

"We can show Traditional Owners that we are serious about regenerating the country," says Jo.

Additionally, it allows the station to communicate their values effectively to mining companies, demonstrating that they have "put our money where our mouth is."

Operational insights

Operationally, the detailed environmental insights have improved land management decision-making. Austin Downs can now “understand more about where the worst damage is and how best to address that,” enabling targeted, data‑driven regeneration strategies.

Overall, the Austin Downs team had a very positive experience working with RSM. 

“We were extremely impressed.” — Jo Jackson King

By securing independent verification through RSM, Austin Downs Station has set a new benchmark for transparency and integrity in the agricultural sector. They are empowered with the credibility, clarity, and confidence they needed to tell their regeneration story. They are also in a position to capitalise on emerging opportunities such as the Nature Repair Market and Biodiversity Credits.

RSM is proud to support clients like Austin Downs who are leading the way in sustainable agriculture.

For more information about our Accounting for Nature® services, please reach out to your local RSM office.