Aqua Downs Station Regeneration Project

Aqua Downs Station Regeneration Project is a Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) project located in the Mulga Lands bioregion of Queensland, approximately 80 kilometers south of Morven and 110 kilometers southeast of the major service center of Charleville. Registered in August 2015, the project covers a significant area of 24,116 hectares. The property is situated in a semi-arid zone typical of south-west Queensland, characterized by hot, dry summers and cool winters.

The project operates under the Human-Induced Regeneration methodology, which involves regenerating permanent native forests on land where vegetation growth was historically suppressed for at least 10 years. Key activities for this project include the cessation of mechanical or chemical clearing and the management of grazing pressure to allow in-situ seed sources, such as rootstock and lignotubers, to regenerate. This transition marks a shift from intensive land use to carbon farming, while often maintaining compatible lower-intensity grazing.

Environmentally, the region is dominated by Mulga (Acacia aneura) vegetation communities. The soils in this area are typically red kandosols (massive red earths) and sandy loams, which are well-suited to the native shrublands and woodlands being regenerated. The land use in the surrounding Maranoa and Warrego districts is predominantly sheep and cattle grazing.

A review of the project's history highlights an intergenerational or family transfer of operations. Initially registered with William and Cecily Douglas as proponents, the project responsibility was transferred to Rowan and Jessica Douglas in March 2021. The project is managed in partnership with carbon service provider Climate Friendly Pty Ltd.