Inverness Human-Induced Regeneration Project

The Inverness Human-Induced Regeneration Project is a large-scale vegetation recovery initiative located in the Upper Western region of New South Wales, situated approximately 80 kilometres northeast of Bourke and northwest of Brewarrina. Registered in July 2015, the project covers a substantial area of 18,785 hectares within the Mulga Lands and Darling Riverine Plains bioregions. The property, known as "Inverness" (along with the adjacent "Culgoa"), has traditionally been utilized for Merino sheep grazing.

Operating under the Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) methodology, this project does not involve planting new trees. Instead, it focuses on assisted regeneration by suppressing threats to native regrowth. The project area had been suppressed for at least 10 years prior to registration, primarily due to grazing pressure. By managing the timing and extent of livestock grazing and actively controlling feral animals, particularly goats, the project allows native woodland species to re-establish. Dominant vegetation regenerating on the site includes Turpentine (Eremophila sturtii), Budda (Eremophila mitchellii), Black Box (Eucalyptus largiflorens), and Gidgee (Acacia cambagei).

The environmental conditions of the region are semi-arid, characterized by hot summers and variable rainfall patterns that make the land prone to drought. The soil composition is a mix of "red country" (sandy loams/red earth) and flat plains of rich black soil (cracking clays/Vertosols), typically found near the Culgoa River system.

An interesting aspect of this project is its dual benefit of carbon sequestration and agricultural resilience. The carbon revenue has reportedly allowed the landholders, the Payton family, to invest in infrastructure such as fencing and trap yards, improving their ability to manage livestock and feral pests during drought conditions.