Paroowidgee Regeneration Project

The Paroowidgee Regeneration Project is a Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) project located on the Paroowidgee pastoral station, approximately 45 kilometres west of Wanaaring in the Far West region of New South Wales. Registered with the Clean Energy Regulator in September 2015, the project covers a substantial area of 15,325 hectares. The surrounding region lies within the Unincorporated Far West, an area traditionally dominated by extensive grazing operations for sheep and cattle, as well as wild goat harvesting.

Operating under the Human-Induced Regeneration methodology, the project focuses on re-establishing permanent native forests on land where vegetation growth was previously suppressed. This is achieved not by planting trees, but by actively managing the "suppressors" that prevent natural regeneration. Specific activities at Paroowidgee include controlling feral animals and strategically managing the timing and extent of livestock grazing. These changes allow existing seed stocks and root systems, such as lignotubers, to germinate and grow into forest cover.

The environmental context of the project is defined by the semi-arid climate of the "Mulga Lands." The area receives low and variable rainfall, averaging approximately 280mm annually. The landscape typically features red earth soils (Chromosols) and sandy loams, which support resilient vegetation types like Mulga (Acacia aneura) and saltbush. These soil and climate conditions make the land well-suited for regeneration projects when grazing pressure is reduced, as the native flora is adapted to recover rapidly after rain events.

Carbon credits generated by the Paroowidgee Regeneration Project have been utilized in high-profile offset strategies. Notably, units from this project were surrendered to offset emissions for the Barangaroo Precinct in Sydney, as detailed in Climate Active public disclosure summaries. Additionally, the project holds a Carbon Abatement Contract with the Australian Government, indicating a commitment to deliver a set volume of abatement over its crediting period.