Brindingabba Human-Induced Regeneration Project

Brindingabba Human-Induced Regeneration Project is a Human-Induced Regeneration project located approximately 175km northwest of Bourke and 75km southeast of Hungerford in the far northwest of New South Wales. It was registered in June 2015 and covers 33,464.97 ha.

Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) projects involve establishing permanent native forests through assisted regeneration on land that was previously cleared of vegetation and where regrowth had been suppressed for at least 10 years. The methodology requires the implementation of new management activities, which in this project includes managing the timing and extent of grazing, and the humane management of feral animals. These activities allow native in-situ seed sources, including rootstock and lignotubers, to naturally regenerate into a permanent even-aged forest canopy.

The surrounding Cuttaburra Basin area was historically known for pastoralism and grazing operations, but is increasingly recognized for its conservation value. The region experiences a hot semi-arid climate characterized by low, variable rainfall. The local environment features a diverse mix of striking red soils on stony mulga ridges, and clay soils across its floodplains, clay pans, and lignum swamps.

Interestingly, the project area was acquired by the NSW Government and officially reserved as Brindingabba National Park in December 2022. Following this transition from private grazing land to a national park, the project participant was updated to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. The carbon project now complements the park's conservation efforts by funding ongoing feral animal control (such as managing goats, pigs, and wild dogs). This not only sequesters atmospheric carbon but also protects vital wetland habitats and refuges for rare and threatened species like the pink cockatoo and brolga.