Mount Oxley Native Forest Protection Project

The Mount Oxley Native Forest Protection Project is an Avoided Deforestation project located approximately 40km southeast of Bourke in the Western Division of New South Wales. Registered in August 2014, the project covers a substantial area of 15,211 hectares. The site encompasses the land surrounding Mount Oxley (native name Oulambilla), a prominent table-top mountain and local landmark in the semi-arid rangelands.

Avoided Deforestation projects prevent greenhouse gas emissions by protecting native forests that otherwise would have been cleared for agriculture. To be eligible, the landholder must hold a clearing consent issued before 1 July 2010. By forfeiting the right to clear this land, the project avoids the immediate release of stored carbon and manages the vegetation to maintain forest cover in perpetuity.

The region is characterized by a semi-arid climate with low, variable rainfall. The landscape typically features red earth soils (Red Chromosols) and clay loams, supporting vegetation such as Mulga (Acacia aneura), which is often used for fodder in the surrounding grazing properties. Uniquely, Mount Oxley itself is geologically distinct, formed of rare potassium-rich basaltic rock.

The project is operated by Marie and Robert Newton, who successfully completed a carbon abatement contract (CAC226989) with the Australian Government in May 2022, delivering over 158,000 carbon credits. While the project primarily focuses on carbon sequestration, the property also allows for controlled tourism, offering visitors access to the mountain's summit for panoramic views of the catchments below.