Jandra/Nulty Regeneration Project

Jandra/Nulty Regeneration Project is a Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) project located approximately 25km southwest of Bourke in the Bourke local government area of north-western New South Wales. Registered in August 2015, the project covers 74,133.64 hectares. The broader Bourke region experiences a semi-arid climate characterized by hot summers and low rainfall, and the land is predominantly utilized for pastoral grazing operations. Soils in this region typically consist of red earths (such as Red Chromosols and Kandosols), sandy loams, and deep cracking clays (Vertosols).

Human-Induced Regeneration projects involve establishing permanent native forests by encouraging assisted regeneration from in-situ seed sources, such as rootstock and lignotubers. To meet standard methodology requirements, the project area must occur on land that was previously cleared of vegetation and where natural regrowth was actively suppressed for at least 10 years prior to the project's commencement.

To achieve this regeneration, the proponents are modifying historical agricultural practices. Specifically, the project activities involve managing the timing and extent of livestock grazing, as well as the humane management of feral animals. These actions reduce grazing pressure and suppression on new saplings, allowing the native forest to safely recover.

Interestingly, Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) generated from the Jandra/Nulty Regeneration Project have been purchased by several major corporations to meet their sustainability and offset targets. For example, Alinta Energy utilized ACCUs from this project to offset 50% of its Scope 2 emissions in the 2023 financial year. Similarly, hyperscale data centre operator AirTrunk has retired units from this project to offset emissions for its SYD1, MEL1, and SYD2 sites. AirTrunk's sustainability reporting highlights that the project delivers significant co-benefits beyond carbon sequestration, including local employment, community development, biodiversity protection, and the preservation of ancient cultural sites.