DAC-2015-08

DAC-2015-08 is a Native Forest from Managed Regrowth project located in south-western Queensland, approximately 75 kilometres south-west of Bollon and 95 kilometres west of Dirranbandi. It was registered in September 2015 and currently covers 10,984.05 hectares, following a variation in 2017 that added additional land to the project area.

Native Forest from Managed Regrowth (NFMR) projects involve regenerating native forests from in-situ seed sources, such as rootstock and lignotubers, rather than through active tree planting. Standard requirements for this methodology dictate the cessation of mechanical or chemical land clearing that was previously used to maintain pasture. It also requires careful management of the timing and extent of grazing to ensure livestock do not suppress the emerging regrowth, allowing the native forest to reach a minimum of 20% canopy cover and 2 metres in height.

The region surrounding Bollon and Dirranbandi is traditionally dominated by extensive cattle and sheep grazing operations set across flat plains. The environment is classified as semi-arid, typically experiencing an average annual rainfall of 450mm to 475mm. The local landscape features a mix of soil types ranging from heavy cracking clays (often referred to as black soil) to the lighter red earths typical of the Mulga lands.

Originally established by Devine Agribusiness Carbon on land that had been comprehensively cleared for pastoral use, the project's participant name was varied in late 2023 to Pastoral Partners Australia Trusco Pty Limited. Pastoral Partners Australia is an investment group backed by New Zealand infrastructure investor Morrison & Co. The group has been actively acquiring extensive grazing holdings throughout western Queensland to implement their strategy of integrating commercial livestock farming with large-scale carbon sequestration, boosting agricultural productivity while improving environmental biodiversity.