Delta Regeneration Project

Delta Regeneration Project is a human-induced regeneration project located approximately 80km west of Bourke in the Western Division of New South Wales. It was registered in April 2015 and covers 20,409.27 ha.

Human-induced regeneration projects involve regenerating native forests by changing land management practices to achieve a permanent forest cover. Standard methodology requires the regenerated trees to typically reach at least two metres in height and establish a 20% canopy cover. The Delta project achieves this by actively managing the timing and extent of livestock grazing, as well as managing feral animals in a humane manner. This reduction in grazing pressure allows for assisted regeneration from in-situ seed sources, including rootstock and lignotubers, on land that was previously cleared and where regrowth had been suppressed for at least 10 years.

The Bourke area is traditionally known for sheep and cattle grazing, mixed farming, and increasingly, carbon farming operations. The area is considered a semi-arid climate with low rainfall, averaging approximately 330mm to 350mm annually. Soils in the region generally consist of productive grey soils along floodout areas that transition into softer red soils, sandy earths, and occasional hardpans.

Originally registered as the Yandaroo Regeneration Project, it was renamed to the Delta Regeneration Project in May 2015 following a variation to its project boundaries. The underlying properties were snapped up prior to auction in May 2023, having been actively marketed for their combined carbon and grazing potential. Subsequently, the project proponent was changed in September 2023 to Nunyara Pty Ltd, a group focused on natural capital, agriculture, and ecosystem regeneration across the Murray Darling Basin. The project also successfully completed its initial Commonwealth carbon abatement contract (CAC655628) in August 2021.