Kilcowera and Zenonie Forest Regeneration Project

The Kilcowera and Zenonie Forest Regeneration Project is a Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) project located approximately 90km south of Thargomindah in South West Queensland. Situated within the Bulloo Shire, the project spans roughly 79,000 hectares across the Kilcowera and Zenonie pastoral stations. The property lies on the Dowling Track, roughly halfway between Thargomindah and the New South Wales border town of Hungerford, adjoining the Currawinya National Park.

Registered in August 2015, the project operates under the Human-Induced Regeneration methodology. This carbon farming method focuses on restoring native forest cover through the cessation of suppression activities. In this context, the project activities include managing the timing and extent of grazing and controlling feral animals (such as goats and pigs) to allow native vegetation to regenerate naturally from in-situ seed sources and rootstock. Unlike environmental plantings, HIR projects do not involve planting new trees; rather, they rely on the land's latent ability to recover once pressures like overgrazing or mechanical clearing are removed.

The region encompasses the Mulga Lands bioregion, characterized by red earth and sandy loam soils typical of the Australian outback. The environment is semi-arid with a highly variable average rainfall of approximately 250mm per year. Vegetation consists primarily of Mulga (Acacia aneura) shrublands, Coolabah trees along watercourses, and ephemeral wildflowers that bloom after significant rain events.

The project has an interesting history of ownership. Originally registered by long-term station owners Gregory and Toni Sherwin, the project and property were acquired around 2020 by Vision Pastoral Company Pty Limited, directed by Dr. Peter Davies. Under the new management, the station operates as a mixed-use enterprise combining carbon farming with organic beef production (specifically Wagyu and Angus cross breeds) and nature-based tourism. Kilcowera Station is a well-known destination for birdwatchers and eco-tourists, celebrated for its diverse birdlife (over 180 recorded species) and access to Lake Wyara.