Bundong Native Forest Protection Project

Bundong Native Forest Protection Project is an Avoided Deforestation project located at "Bundong" Station, near the locality of Coolabah, approximately 90km north of Nyngan in New South Wales. Registered in July 2014, the project covers a significant area of 8,191 hectares within the Bogan Shire Council region. The project is managed by proponents Lynette and Noel Dunn in partnership with Terra Carbon Pty Limited.

The Avoided Deforestation 1.1 methodology targets native forest areas that have an existing government permit to be cleared for agriculture, specifically an Invasive Native Scrub (INS) clearing permit issued before 1 July 2010. By surrendering the right to clear this land, the project prevents the emissions associated with machinery use and biomass decomposition, while maintaining the carbon stored in the trees. The project area is dominated by native vegetation typical of the Cobar Peneplain, including Poplar Box (Bimble Box) and Mulga woodlands, which are protected under this scheme.

The region surrounding Coolabah and the Marra Creek is characterized by a semi-arid climate with an average annual rainfall of approximately 350-450mm. The land use in this district is predominantly pastoral, focused on grazing sheep and cattle on native vegetation. The soils in this area are generally a mix of red earths (Chromosols) on the ridges and grey cracking clays (Vertosols) along the watercourses and floodplains.

An interesting aspect of this project is its integration with an active pastoral enterprise. Public records indicate "Bundong Station" has been operated by the Dunn family for many years as a Merino sheep property, demonstrating how carbon farming can co-exist with traditional wool and livestock production. The project method underwent a variation in May 2015 to transition from the original 2013 determination to the updated 1.1 version, ensuring alignment with evolved scheme standards.