Boonora Downs Human-Induced Regeneration Project

Boonora Downs Human-Induced Regeneration Project is a human-induced regeneration project located on the edge of the Cobar Peneplain, approximately 50km west of Cobar in NSW. It was registered in July 2015 and covers an area of 12,065.56 hectares.

Human-induced regeneration projects involve establishing permanent native forests by changing land management practices to cease activities that suppress tree growth, allowing native vegetation to recover and eventually achieve a native forest canopy cover. For this project, it specifically involves assisted regeneration from in-situ seed sources, including rootstock and lignotubers, on land where regrowth had been suppressed for at least 10 years prior to the project commencing.

The Cobar region is historically known for extensive pastoral operations, primarily sheep and cattle grazing. The area is classified as having a semi-arid rainfall environment, and soils generally consist of fragile red earths and shallow stony soils along the undulating mulga ridges, which are highly prone to soil degradation and erosion.

This project was established by landholders Heath and Natalie Cull in partnership with Terra Carbon Pty Limited (a company associated with GreenCollar) to reverse biodiversity loss and combat soil degradation. By installing new fencing to manage the timing and extent of livestock grazing, and humanely managing feral goat populations, the project allows over 8,000 hectares of native Acacia and Eucalypt forests to safely regenerate. The carbon credits generated by Boonora Downs have gained strong corporate backing and are used by major entities like Optus, ANZ Banking Group, and the City of Melbourne to offset their carbon emissions.