Heffernan Forest Regeneration Project

Heffernan Forest Regeneration Project is a Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) project located near Wanaaring, approximately 180km west of Bourke in New South Wales. It was registered in April 2016 and covers an expansive 141,994.83 hectares.

Human-Induced Regeneration projects involve implementing changes in land management to allow native forests to naturally regenerate from in-situ seed sources, such as rootstock and lignotubers. To meet standard methodology requirements, projects must cease activities that have actively suppressed regrowth for at least 10 years prior to the project's commencement, ultimately allowing the vegetation to achieve a permanent, even-aged native forest canopy.

The remote Wanaaring region is known primarily for pastoral sheep and cattle grazing. The area is situated in a semi-arid outback environment, characterised by low and variable annual rainfall averaging roughly 276mm, with soils typically consisting of red sandy earths, clay pans, and alluvial loams near the Paroo River.

This project aims to remove regrowth suppressors through the humane management of feral animals and by controlling the timing and extent of livestock grazing. The project operates at a remarkable scale; for instance, in March 2025 alone, it was issued over 91,000 ACCUs, making it the single largest individual project issuance for that month. Furthermore, the project officially completed its Carbon Abatement Contract (CAC936115) with the Commonwealth in September 2026, successfully delivering 1,032,165 Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs). Carbon Farmers of Australia serves as the agent for this large-scale carbon sequestration initiative.