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 a rigorous, independent verification of their biodiversity data, confirming an exceptional ecological score. This validation strengthened trust with key stakeholders and created opportunities to access new 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 skepticism and differentiate their project, they needed indisputable proof of their environmental impact. They required a 'gold 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 gold standard and repeated independent third-party verification of biodiversity was the only way to change people’s perceptions.”

Why Accounting for Nature ticked all the boxes

Austin Downs Station explored a wide variety of methods for measuring environmental conditions. However, they needed a method that met their specific requirements:

• Suitable for pastoral properties
• Validated by panel of independent scientists
• Audited by independent professionals with no vested interest in the outcome
• Checked again by a second independent organisation, adding another layer of integrity
• Results easy to communicate to laypeople.
• Built‑in integrity

In the end, only the Accounting for Nature framework met all of their requirements.

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.

Additionally, Jo really wanted to achieve that ‘gold standard’ through a third layer of independent audit verification. After meeting with other potential natural accounting audit specialists, Jo was impressed with RSM’s approach. Jo says, “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 76.4 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’ credits: ACCUs with scientifically supported biodiversity co‑benefits. 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.