Uteara Regeneration Project

Uteara Regeneration Project is a human-induced regeneration project located at Uteara Station, approximately 78km west of Bourke in NSW. It was registered in September 2015 and covers 17,687.44ha.

Human-induced regeneration (HIR) projects involve establishing permanent, even-aged native forests by promoting the assisted regeneration of native trees. This methodology requires implementing new land management practices that cease the suppression of native regrowth, allowing vegetation to reach forest canopy cover.

The Bourke area is heavily known for vast sheep and cattle grazing operations across large pastoral stations. The region is classified as semi-arid with highly variable, low rainfall, and the soils are generally red sand and loams typical of the Mulga Lands.

This project establishes permanent native forests from in-situ seed sources, including rootstock and lignotubers, on land that was cleared of vegetation and where regrowth was suppressed for at least 10 years prior to the project commencing. The project activities include the management of the timing and extent of livestock grazing, as well as the humane management of feral animals. The proponent, Helen Jessie Parker, is also a participant in the nearby Westmere Regeneration Project alongside other family members. Interestingly, Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) generated by the Uteara Regeneration Project have been purchased by major corporate buyers, including Lendlease, to help certify Sydney's Barangaroo precinct as carbon neutral under the Climate Active standard.