Poon Boon Regeneration Project

Poon Boon Regeneration Project is a Human-Induced Regeneration project located at Poon Boon Station, approximately 44km north-west of Cobar in NSW. It was registered in August 2015 and covers an area of 11,798.59 hectares.

Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) projects involve establishing permanent, even-aged native forests by promoting the assisted regeneration of in-situ seed sources, such as rootstock and lignotubers. To qualify under this methodology, the land must have been cleared of vegetation and had its regrowth suppressed for at least 10 years prior to the project's commencement. Standard requirements for HIR projects include eventually achieving a forest cover that reaches at least 2 metres in height and a 20% crown cover. For this specific project, the core activity is the humane management of feral animals, effectively removing a major suppressor of vegetation to allow native flora to naturally recover.

The Cobar Peneplain region is broadly known for sheep and cattle grazing operations, alongside significant local mining activities (such as the nearby Endeavor Mine). The area is classified as semi-arid and experiences low rainfall, with regional soils largely consisting of red sands, loams, and laterite.

An interesting note regarding the project is that its Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) have been heavily relied upon by prominent organisations to achieve carbon neutrality goals. According to Climate Active public disclosure statements, ACCUs from the Poon Boon Regeneration Project were procured and retired by the Barangaroo precinct in Sydney to offset their operational carbon footprint while supporting sustainable grazing management. Additionally, the project's details underwent an administrative variation in September 2024 to update the participant registration to solely reflect Rodney Charles Boal, removing Kaylene Dulcie Boal.