Sunset Ranch Native Forest Protection Project

Sunset Ranch Native Forest Protection Project is an avoided deforestation project located near Coolabah, approximately 75km northwest of Nyngan in the Cobar Peneplain region of western New South Wales. It was registered in January 2014 and covers a total area of 19,588.49 hectares.

The region is characterised by a semi-arid climate with low, highly variable rainfall, predominantly featuring red earth, sandy loam, and clay soils often dominated by native mulga vegetation. Historically, land in this area has been heavily utilised for agricultural purposes, particularly sheep and cattle grazing, which has frequently led to degraded soils from overstocking and intensive land-use.

The project operates under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative-Avoided Deforestation 1.1) Methodology Determination 2015. Avoided deforestation projects generate Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) by protecting native forests from planned land clearing. To meet the standard requirements of this methodology, the project proponent must hold a valid clearing consent that was issued before 1 July 2010 for the purpose of converting the forest to an agricultural system, such as grazing or cropping. By forgoing the clearing and retaining the native forest, the project prevents significant greenhouse gas emissions and instead manages the land for conservation, using biomass surveys and allometric equations to determine carbon stocks.

Sunset Ranch is notable for being the first avoided deforestation project of its kind on leasehold land in Australia, originally jointly developed by Climate Friendly, South Pole Carbon, and Carbon Farmers of Australia. While the project footprint spans over 19,500 hectares, early reports indicate the specific area protected from the NSW Government clearing approval covers approximately 8,500 hectares of vital native forest and fauna habitat. Originally registered under the 2013 method, the project underwent a methodology variation to the 2015 determination in May 2015. The project was contracted by the Clean Energy Regulator in April 2015, and its Carbon Abatement Contract (CAC335896) was successfully completed in June 2022. Additionally, corporate buyers of the project's ACCUs have highlighted its co-benefits, noting that it directly contributes to the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land) by restoring degraded soils and natural habitats affected by drought.