Tuncoona Forest Regeneration Project

Tuncoona Forest Regeneration Project is a Human-Induced Regeneration project located on Tuncoona Station, a pastoral property situated approximately 60km northwest of Bourke in the Far West region of New South Wales. It was registered in June 2016 and covers an extensive area of 40,227.89 hectares.

Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) of a Permanent Even-Aged Native Forest projects aim to establish permanent native forests through assisted regeneration from in-situ seed sources, including rootstock and lignotubers. The methodology requires that the land was previously cleared of vegetation and that regrowth was actively suppressed for at least 10 years prior to the project commencing. To facilitate the return of forest cover, this project removes suppressive pressures by strictly managing the timing and extent of livestock grazing, alongside the humane management of feral animals.

The region northwest of Bourke is characterised by a semi-arid climate with low, variable rainfall. The soils in this outback environment generally consist of red sandy earths, clay loams, and alluvial soils closer to nearby river systems. The primary land use in this remote district is extensive pastoralism, specifically cattle and sheep grazing.

The project is run by proponents Lisa Jane Ridge and William Penzer Ridge with the assistance of the carbon service provider Climate Friendly Pty Ltd. The Ridge family has deep, long-standing historical ties to Tuncoona Station, local agricultural production, and the nearby Enngonia community.