Gumbo Regeneration Project

Gumbo Regeneration Project is a Human-Induced Regeneration project located approximately 35km west of Hungerford and 180km northwest of Bourke, near the New South Wales and Queensland border. It was registered in August 2015 and covers 10,550.45ha.

Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) of a Permanent Even-Aged Native Forest projects involve establishing permanent native forests through assisted regeneration. This methodology requires managing suppressors on land that was previously cleared of vegetation and where natural regrowth was suppressed for at least 10 years prior to commencement. For this project, the primary activities include the humane management of feral animals and controlling the timing and extent of livestock grazing to allow in-situ seed sources, rootstock, and lignotubers to successfully regenerate.

The Far West region of NSW around Bourke and Hungerford is primarily known for extensive sheep and cattle grazing operations. The area experiences a semi-arid, low rainfall outback climate. The soils in this region typically consist of undulating red sandy loams, gravelly ridges, and grey clay plains in low-lying areas.

This project is run by MG & SM Van de Ven Pty. Limited, with Climate Friendly Pty Ltd acting as the project agent. In addition to generating carbon revenue through native vegetation restoration, the proponent secured an active Carbon Abatement Contract (CAC102209) during the November 2015 auction to deliver Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) to the Commonwealth government. Interestingly, ACCUs generated by the Gumbo Regeneration Project have also been utilized in the voluntary market; for example, global IT corporation Cognizant purchased and surrendered credits from this project as part of their 2022 climate action initiatives.