Nulla Carbon

Nulla Carbon is a Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) project located across properties situated approximately 45 to 60 kilometres from the nearest major town of Cunnamulla in South West Queensland. Registered in September 2015, the project spans an expansive 60,188.98 hectares. The Cunnamulla region is predominantly utilised for sheep and beef cattle grazing operations. Environmentally, the area experiences a hot semi-arid climate with low annual rainfall, and the landscape is characterised by red sandy loams, alluvial clays, and open plains.

Under the Human-Induced Regeneration methodology, projects aim to establish permanent native forests through assisted regeneration using in-situ seed sources, such as rootstock and lignotubers. To meet standard requirements, proponents must implement new land management activities to encourage forest growth, ensuring the vegetation has the potential to eventually reach a minimum of 20% crown cover and at least 2 metres in height. For the Nulla Carbon project, these activities include ceasing the mechanical or chemical destruction of regrowth, actively managing the timing and extent of livestock grazing, and humanely managing feral animals.

An interesting aspect of the Nulla Carbon project is its historical land use; it takes place on land that was cleared of vegetation with regrowth subsequently suppressed for at least 10 years prior to the project's commencement. Since its registration, the project has undergone multiple structural variations, including adding and removing portions of the project area between 2015 and 2019. Furthermore, in June 2018, the Clean Energy Regulator issued a notice requiring the relinquishment of 434 Kyoto Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) from a former participant, Geoff Dunsdon Pty Ltd, as the Trustee for the IG Dunsdon Family Trust. The project's ownership has also evolved over the years, transitioning from multiple Dunsdon Family Trusts to the current proponents, Lanin Holdings Pty Ltd and Ninal Ventures Pty Ltd, with Corporate Carbon Solutions Pty Ltd also briefly holding a participant role in early 2020.