North West Regeneration Project

North West Regeneration Project is a Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) project located near Enngonia, approximately 100km north of Bourke in the north-western region of New South Wales. It was registered in August 2015 and covers an area of 21,251.40ha.

Human-Induced Regeneration projects involve regenerating native forests by changing land management practices on land where clearing previously occurred and regrowth was suppressed for at least 10 years. Proponents must demonstrate the cessation of suppression activities, such as stopping mechanical or chemical clearing, managing the timing and extent of livestock grazing, and controlling feral animals, to allow the forest to naturally reach at least 20% canopy cover and 2 metres in height.

The Enngonia and Bourke area is known for extensive pastoral operations, primarily grazing Merino sheep and cattle. The region features a semi-arid climate with low, highly variable rainfall that is prone to drought. Soils across the project area generally consist of deep red calcareous sandy loams (often referred to as 'red country') interspersed with areas of heavy grey cracking clays on the local floodplains.

This project operates on Warrego Station, an 82,000-acre aggregation comprising the Birrimba, The Cato, and Winrae properties run by the Mudford family. Originally registered as the "Birrimba/The Cato Regeneration Project," it was renamed in late 2015 and focuses on establishing permanent native forests through assisted regeneration from in-situ seed sources, rootstock, and lignotubers. To support these environmental outcomes, the project also secured a Carbon Abatement Contract (CAC102192) to deliver 183,000 ACCUs to the Commonwealth.