Oakvale Native Forest Protection Project

Oakvale Native Forest Protection Project is an avoided deforestation project located in the Bogan local government area, approximately 100km northwest of Nyngan in central-western NSW. It was registered in May 2014 and covers 13,953.55 ha.

Avoided deforestation projects involve protecting native forests from being deforested and permanently converted into agricultural systems. The project originally registered under the 2013 methodology but varied its method in June 2015 to the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative-Avoided Deforestation 1.1) Methodology Determination 2015. Under this determination, the proponent must demonstrate that a valid land clearing permit was issued for the property prior to 1 July 2010. By forgoing this right to clear the land, the project avoids greenhouse gas emissions and maintains existing carbon stocks, which are measured using allometric equations applied to routine biomass surveys.

The Bogan and wider Northwest NSW region is known primarily for sheep and cattle grazing operations, as well as some cropping. The area is considered semi-arid with marginal and highly variable rainfall, and local catchments typically feature floodplain clays and alluvial soil profiles.

This project provides significant co-benefits for local biodiversity by preserving vital native habitats. The protected native forest provides a home for various fauna, including the crucifix toad, planigale, kultarr, native bees, and wedge-tailed eagles. Because of these strong environmental credentials, corporate entities like TechnologyOne have purchased and retired Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) generated by Oakvale to help achieve their Climate Active carbon neutral certifications. Furthermore, the project successfully completed a carbon abatement contract (CAC130427) with the Commonwealth Government, delivering fixed volumes of abatement between April 2015 and September 2022.