Poon Boon Regeneration Project

The Poon Boon Regeneration Project is a Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) project located approximately 50km north-northwest of Cobar in the semi-arid rangelands of Western New South Wales. Registered in August 2015, the project covers a substantial area of 11,798 hectares. The property is situated within the Cobar Peneplain bioregion, an area traditionally characterized by extensive sheep and cattle grazing, as well as significant mining activity; notably, the project appears to be located in the vicinity of the Endeavor (Elura) Mine.

Human-Induced Regeneration projects in this region focus on restoring native forest cover by addressing the causes of suppression. For Poon Boon, the specific project activities involve the humane management of feral animals, likely goats and pigs, which are prevalent in the Cobar shire and heavily impact vegetation, and potentially managing livestock pressure. By controlling these grazing pressures, the project allows the in-situ seed bank (rootstock and lignotubers) of native species, such as Mulga (Acacia aneura) and Bimble Box (Eucalyptus populnea), to regenerate into a permanent even-aged native forest.

The environment in this part of New South Wales is classified as semi-arid, receiving variable rainfall that averages around 390mm annually. The soils are typically massive red earths and sandy loams, often associated with the rolling downs and ridges of the region. A notable administrative update occurred in late 2024 when the participant structure was varied to remove Kaylene Dulcie Boal, leaving Rodney Charles Boal as the sole proponent. The project is supported by carbon service provider Climate Friendly Pty Ltd and has secured a carbon abatement contract with the Commonwealth.