Lower Hunter Recycled Water Initiative - Tree Planting for Carbon Offset

Lower Hunter Recycled Water Initiative - Tree Planting for Carbon Offset is an environmental planting project located across the Dungog and Port Stephens local government areas, approximately 80km north of Newcastle in NSW. It was registered in October 2013 and currently covers 245.12 hectares, following a project area variation in May 2026 where some previously listed areas were removed.

Environmental planting projects operating under the CFI Reforestation Modelling Tool methodology involve establishing permanent native forests on land that has been clear of forest for at least five years. Standard requirements dictate that trees must be planted at a stocking density with the potential to reach a minimum height of 2 metres and 20% crown canopy cover. Instead of direct onsite measurement, carbon storage for this method is calculated using the government's approved reforestation modelling software.

The broader Lower Hunter region is known for diverse land uses, primarily urban water catchments, beef cattle grazing, and broadacre agriculture. While these catchments typically experience moderate to high rainfall and feature a mix of alluvial and clay soils, the project's official registry profile notes that these specific mallee tree plantings were established in targeted micro-climates receiving no more than 600mm of average annual rainfall.

This project was established by the Hunter Water Corporation to directly offset the greenhouse gas emissions generated by the Lower Hunter Recycled Water Initiative. The plantings are strategically positioned on land owned by Hunter Water near critical regional water infrastructure, including Grahamstown Dam, Chichester Dam, and Irrawang Swamp. Ecological audits report that over 100,000 native trees were planted during the project's lifespan. Beyond carbon abatement, the reforestation has delivered significant environmental co-benefits, such as improved catchment soil stability, cleaner drinking water runoff, and restored native vegetation corridors for local wildlife.