Glenariff Native Forest Protection Project

Glenariff Native Forest Protection Project is an Avoided Deforestation project located at the 'Glenariff' property, approximately 100km southeast of Bourke and near the locality of Byrock in Western New South Wales. Registered in May 2014, the project covers a significant area of 16,268 hectares. The surrounding region is part of the Mulga Lands bioregion and is primarily utilized for grazing (particularly rangeland goats) and opportunistic cereal cropping.

Avoided Deforestation projects involve protecting native forest that has historically received government consent to be cleared for agricultural use. To be eligible, the landholder must hold a clearing permit issued prior to 1 July 2010. By voluntarily foregoing the right to clear the land for crops or grassland, the project prevents the release of carbon stored in the vegetation and soil, generating carbon credits for the avoided emissions.

The project is situated in a semi-arid climate zone, typically receiving low and variable rainfall of approximately 300mm to 400mm annually. The landscape is characterized by red loam soils and gravel ridges, which support native vegetation dominated by Mulga (Acacia aneura), Bimble Box, and native pine.

'Glenariff' has been operated as a mixed farming enterprise, where the carbon project functions alongside traditional agricultural activities. Real estate listings for the property have highlighted the project's ability to provide passive income that complements revenue from the property's goat grazing and farming operations. The project successfully completed a fixed delivery contract (CAC137406) in late 2023.