Oakleigh Native Forest Protection Project

The Oakleigh Native Forest Protection Project is an avoided deforestation project located in the Mulga Lands bioregion of New South Wales, approximately 45km southwest of Brewarrina and 65km east of Bourke. Registered in May 2014, the project secures a significant land area of 10,542.70 hectares within the Brewarrina Shire Council area.

Avoided deforestation projects involve protecting native forest that was legally approved for clearing prior to July 1, 2010. By surrendering the right to clear this vegetation for agricultural use, such as cropping or grazing intensification, the project ensures the carbon stored in the forest biomass remains sequestered. In this instance, the project prevents the conversion of native woodland into an agricultural system.

The region is characterized by a semi-arid climate with highly variable, summer-dominant rainfall averaging between 300mm and 400mm annually. The landscape typically consists of flat to undulating plains featuring red earth and sandy loam soils. The vegetation protected by this project is likely dominated by Mulga (Acacia aneura) woodlands, bimble box, and white cypress pine, which are common to the area and historically subject to clearing for pastoral expansion.

The project is operated by the Newton family (Robert and Marie Newton), having originally been registered under Ralvimay Enterprises Pty Ltd before a participant variation in 2015. Working in conjunction with carbon service provider Select Carbon, the project has a strong delivery track record, having successfully completed multiple carbon abatement contracts (CAC182772 and CAC401187) with the Australian Government.