Corrie Downs Regeneration Project

Corrie Downs Regeneration Project is a Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) project located at the Corrie Downs property, approximately 58km west of Walgett in northern New South Wales. It was registered in August 2015 and covers an area of 11,913.69 hectares. The project operates with Climate Friendly Pty Ltd acting as the primary agent.

Human-Induced Regeneration projects involve regenerating native forests by changing land management practices to remove suppressors of tree growth, allowing native vegetation to recover. The standard requirements for this methodology dictate that the regenerating native trees must have the potential to reach a minimum of 20% crown cover and a height of at least 2 metres to achieve forest status.

The Walgett region is heavily relied upon for pastoral operations, particularly sheep breeding and cattle grazing. The area experiences a semi-arid climate with characteristically low rainfall. Soils in this region generally consist of a mix of red sandy loams and dark cracking clays, typical of the regional floodplains.

This project establishes permanent native forests through assisted regeneration from in-situ seed sources, including rootstock and lignotubers. It is implemented on land that was cleared of vegetation and where regrowth was suppressed for at least 10 years prior to the project's commencement. Specifically, the project achieves this regeneration through the humane management of feral animals, reducing grazing pressure to allow native flora to thrive. Interestingly, the project proponent, John Wheaton, is a well-known local pastoralist who operates the Boorooma Merino Stud in the Walgett district, illustrating how carbon abatement projects can run concurrently alongside established, high-value sheep breeding enterprises.