Lachlan Downs Native Forest Protection Project

Lachlan Downs Native Forest Protection Project is an avoided deforestation project located at Lachlan Downs Station, approximately 80km south of Cobar in western New South Wales. It was registered in July 2014, covers a project area of 18,640.52 hectares, and is operated by proponents Dominic and Jillian Prince.

Avoided deforestation projects aim to generate Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) by protecting native forests from being legally cleared and converted to agricultural systems, such as cropland or grassland. Under the Carbon Farming Initiative, Avoided Deforestation 1.1 Methodology Determination 2015, eligible projects must have held a valid government-issued clearing permit granted before 1 July 2010. While this methodology was formally revoked and closed to new projects by the Australian Government in February 2023, existing registered projects remain unaffected and can continue to generate credits.

The Cobar region is characterised by a semi-arid climate with highly variable, but generally low annual rainfall of around 390mm to 400mm. The surrounding landscape typically features red earth, loam, and sandy loam soils that support open woodland and mulga vegetation. Historically, the broader area is known for extensive pastoral land use, specifically sheep and cattle grazing, alongside a rich history of copper and gold mining.

Beyond carbon farming, the 50,000-acre property is utilised by Jillian Prince for equine-assisted coaching and therapy. Operating under the name "The Space," she hosts wellbeing retreats and workshops that encourage visitors to connect with the outback landscape through interactions with horses. Recently, the property garnered local media attention following an intervention by the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF). Despite the Princes having state-level Local Land Services approvals for some property clearing and restoration work, the ACF raised concerns regarding potential impacts on the endangered pink cockatoo, resulting in a stop-work order under the federal EPBC Act.