Bundella North Native Forest Protection Project

Bundella North Native Forest Protection Project is an Avoided Deforestation project located approximately 50km northwest of Cobar in western New South Wales. Registered in November 2014, the project covers a significant area of 5,985 hectares. The surrounding Cobar Shire region is defined by its vast semi-arid rangelands, which are predominantly utilized for grazing livestock, particularly sheep and goats, as well as mining activities.

Avoided Deforestation projects under the Carbon Farming Initiative involve protecting native forests that possess a distinct clearing permit issued prior to July 2010. By surrendering the right to clear this land for agriculture, the project proponent prevents the release of stored carbon and maintains the forest biomass. The methodology requires the land to be managed to suppress threats such as wildfires and feral animals to ensure the permanent retention of the forest cover.

The environmental conditions in this part of the Cobar Peneplain are characterized by a semi-arid climate with low, variable rainfall. The landscape typically features red earth and lithosol soils that support resilient native vegetation. The forest communities protected by this project likely consist of Mulga (Acacia aneura) woodlands interspersed with Eucalypt species such as Bimble Box (Eucalyptus populnea) and White Cypress Pine, which are common to the bioregion.

This project is managed by Terra Carbon Pty Limited, a subsidiary of the GreenCollar Group. It was originally held by Carrol Abeni before being transferred to Terra Carbon in 2015. By preventing the conversion of this native forest into grazing pasture, the project secures carbon abatement that contributes to Australia's emissions reduction targets.