Boonora Downs Human-Induced Regeneration Project

Boonora Downs Human-Induced Regeneration Project is a vegetation regeneration project located approximately 50km west of the township of Cobar, on the edge of the Cobar Peneplain in western New South Wales. Registered in July 2015, the project covers a substantial area of 12,065 hectares. The region is traditionally utilized for rangeland grazing of sheep, goats, and cattle, alongside significant mining activity which characterizes the local economy.

The project operates under the Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) methodology. This method is designed to regenerate permanent native forests on land where vegetation has historically been suppressed, usually by overgrazing or mechanical clearing. To achieve this, the project proponent must cease mechanical clearing and actively manage grazing pressure. For Boonora Downs, this involves the installation of internal fencing to control the timing and extent of livestock grazing, as well as the humane management of feral animals, particularly goats, which are a major suppressor of regrowth in the Cobar Shire.

Environmentally, the project sits within a semi-arid climate zone with low and highly variable rainfall, averaging approximately 390mm annually. The landscape consists of undulating ridges featuring red earth soils (Kandosols) typical of the Cobar Peneplain bioregion. These soils support native vegetation communities dominated by Mulga (Acacia aneura), Bimble Box (Eucalyptus populnea), and native pine.

An interesting aspect of this project is its focus on reversing soil degradation caused by historical land use. The property, owned by Heath and Natalie Cull since 2009, faced pressure from uncontrolled grazing and feral populations. By implementing rotational grazing and exclusion fencing, the project aims to stabilize the red earth topsoil and encourage the return of the native shrubland and woodland ecosystems.