Sunset Ranch Native Forest Protection Project

Sunset Ranch Native Forest Protection Project is an avoided deforestation project located approximately 80km northwest of Nyngan in Western NSW. It was registered in January 2014 and covers 19,588.49ha.

Avoided deforestation projects involve protecting native forests from being cleared for agricultural purposes. The standard requirements mandate that the landholder retains the forest canopy and restricts agricultural activities that would clear the trees, relying on a valid clearing consent that was issued prior to 1 July 2010.

The Western NSW area is known for cattle farming and cropping operations. The area is considered semi-arid with low rainfall, and soils are generally red-brown earths, clays, and sandy loams.

This project was the first of its kind to be approved on leasehold land in Australia, requiring special consent from the NSW Government. Out of the total project area, it protects approximately 8,500ha of native forest and fauna habitat that had been approved for clearing so the land could be used for cattle and crops. The landowner pursued the carbon project to provide an alternative revenue stream during a severe drought. The project's fixed-delivery Carbon Abatement Contract was successfully completed in June 2022.