Nulla Carbon

Nulla Carbon is a Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) project located on Nulla Station, approximately 15km north of Cunnamulla in South West Queensland. It was registered in September 2015 and covers an expansive 60,188.98 hectares.

Human-Induced Regeneration projects involve establishing permanent native forests through assisted regeneration from in-situ seed sources, such as rootstock and lignotubers. The methodology requires land managers to cease suppressive activities on land that was cleared of vegetation and where regrowth was actively suppressed for at least 10 years prior to the project's commencement. The standard requirement is for the regenerating forest to eventually reach a minimum of 20% crown cover and a height of at least 2 metres. For this site, project activities include ceasing the mechanical or chemical destruction of regrowth, humanely managing feral animals, and managing the timing and extent of livestock grazing.

The Cunnamulla region is a semi-arid environment historically known for widespread pastoral land uses, primarily Merino sheep and beef cattle grazing. The area experiences low and highly variable rainfall. Soils generally consist of a mix of sandy loams, red earths, and cracking clay soils (Vertosols) near river systems like the Warrego River.

The carbon project has undergone several administrative changes since its inception, including multiple variations to the project area between 2015 and 2019. It was initially heavily associated with the Dunsdon family, who have a long grazing history in the district. In June 2018, the Clean Energy Regulator issued a notice under section 88 of the CFI Act requiring Geoff Dunsdon Pty Ltd to relinquish 434 Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) in relation to the project. The proponent structure was updated over time, with Corporate Carbon Solutions temporarily involved before the project was entirely transferred to the current proponents, Ninal Ventures Pty Ltd and Lanin Holdings Pty Ltd, in 2020. ACCUs generated by Nulla Carbon have successfully entered the voluntary market and been retired by organisations such as FTA Coffee for Climate Active carbon neutral certification. Additionally, the project's leadership has engaged in international sustainability discussions, with Nulla Carbon's Director presenting on integrating Sustainable Development Goals into business strategies at a Regional Business Summit hosted by the University of Galway.