Inverness Human-Induced Regeneration Project

Inverness Human-Induced Regeneration Project is a Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) project located approximately 80km northeast of Bourke and 60km northwest of Brewarrina in the semi-arid outback region of New South Wales. It was registered in July 2015 and covers an area of 18,785.87 hectares.

Human-Induced Regeneration projects involve establishing permanent native forests by encouraging assisted regeneration from in-situ seed sources, such as rootstock and lignotubers, to ultimately reach a mature canopy cover of at least 20% at a height of 2 metres. Under this methodology, projects must occur on land that was previously cleared of vegetation and where regrowth has been actively suppressed for at least 10 years prior to the project commencing. At Inverness, the project activities include managing the timing and extent of livestock grazing, as well as the humane trapping and management of feral animals to reduce grazing pressure and allow native saplings to survive.

The region around Bourke and Brewarrina is predominantly used for pastoral grazing operations, and this specific project is spread across the Inverness and Culgoa properties which host a successful merino sheep operation. The local environment is classified as semi-arid with historically low rainfall, featuring a landscape mixed with sandy red country and flat plains of rich black soil.

An interesting fact about this project is that it is run by local pastoralists Colin and Christine Payton, who manage around 3,000 head of sheep across the two properties. Historically, due to extra grazing pressure from feral goats, the native vegetation was struggling and the soils were degrading. By undertaking this carbon project, the owners generated additional alternative income which has been reinvested into their business to fund new fencing and trapping infrastructure. This carbon revenue has proven particularly helpful in providing financial security and drought resilience, boosting cash flow during tougher climatic cycles while supporting the recovery of local native flora and fauna.