Maranoa Ecosystem Conservation Project #2

Maranoa Ecosystem Conservation Project #2 is an Avoided Clearing of Native Regrowth project located on Abbieglassie Station, approximately 90km north of the town of Bollon in the Maranoa region of Queensland. Registered in April 2016, the project covers a registered area of 5,514.88 hectares. The surrounding region is defined by the "Mulga Lands" bioregion, typically utilized for sheep and cattle grazing on large pastoral stations.

The project operates under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative, Avoided Clearing of Native Regrowth) Methodology Determination 2015. This methodology credits landholders for surrendering the legal right to clear native forest regrowth on land that has historically been cleared for agricultural use (such as grazing or cropping) at least twice in the past. By maintaining the vegetation instead of clearing it, the project sequesters carbon in the biomass of the regenerating forest.

Environmental conditions in this area are semi-arid, with an average annual rainfall of approximately 500mm. The landscape is characterized by red earth and sandy loam soils, supporting vegetation such as Mulga (Acacia aneura) and Box woodlands. Interestingly, the carbon income from this project has been reported to support the property's drought resilience, allowing the landholders to fund infrastructure upgrades like fencing and water points without intensifying grazing pressure.