Kilcowera and Zenonie Forest Regeneration Project

Kilcowera and Zenonie Forest Regeneration Project is a human-induced regeneration project located on adjoining pastoral stations approximately 90km south of Thargomindah in South West Queensland. It was registered in August 2015 and covers an area of 79,068 hectares.

Human-induced regeneration projects involve the cessation of activities that suppress native vegetation regrowth, allowing native forests to naturally regenerate. Standard requirements include managing the land to consistently reach native forest cover by stopping mechanical or chemical destruction of regrowth, carefully managing the timing and extent of grazing, and the humane management of feral animals.

The Thargomindah and wider Bulloo Shire region is known for large-scale cattle grazing, outback tourism, and increasingly, carbon farming. The area is situated within a semi-arid outback climate experiencing low annual rainfall. The local environment is characterised by vast mulga rangelands with predominantly red earth, clay, and stony soils.

The project promotes assisted regeneration from in-situ seed sources, such as rootstock and lignotubers, on land that was heavily cleared and suppressed for at least 10 years prior to commencement. Interestingly, the landholder has established a constructive partnership with the region's Native Title holders, the Budjiti and Kullilli Bulloo River Aboriginal Corporations. A share of the revenue from the project's Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) sales is distributed to these groups to uphold Traditional Owner rights and directly support the local community. Additionally, the property itself, Kilcowera Station, is an organically run cattle station that also operates as a popular outback destination for campers and birdwatchers.