Brindingabba Human-Induced Regeneration Project

Brindingabba Human-Induced Regeneration Project is a Human-Induced Regeneration project located approximately 150km north-west of Bourke, near the New South Wales and Queensland border. It was registered on June 5, 2015, and covers an expansive 33,464.97 hectares.

Human-Induced Regeneration projects involve the regeneration of native forests on land that was previously cleared of vegetation and where regrowth has been suppressed for at least 10 years. Under this methodology, proponents alter land management practices to allow native trees to regenerate naturally from in-situ seed sources, such as rootstock and lignotubers. For this specific project, the primary activities include the humane management of feral animals and the management of the timing and extent of livestock grazing.

The outback region surrounding Bourke is characterised by a semi-arid climate, typically experiencing low annual rainfall of around 330 to 350mm. The region's soils largely consist of red earths (red Chromosols) on stony mulga ridges, alongside riverine clay systems (Vertosols) and clay pans. Historically, the primary land use in this area has been pastoralism, specifically sheep and cattle grazing.

An interesting fact about this project is its history and transition from a private pastoral operation to public conservation land. Initially established by the Fisher family in 2015 alongside project developer GreenCollar, the project's carbon income successfully supported their cattle and sheep station during severe drought years. In mid-2022, the property was purchased by the NSW Government, with support from The Nature Conservancy, and was subsequently gazetted as Brindingabba National Park in December 2022. The area now protects 30 different ecosystems, nationally significant wetlands like the Yantabulla Swamp, and critical habitats for endangered species such as the kultarr and lancewood. Due to this land acquisition and repurposing, the project proponent transitioned from private entities to government bodies, ultimately landing with the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.