Darling River Eco Corridor 8

Darling River Eco Corridor 8 is a Human-Induced Regeneration project located in the Mulga Lands bioregion, approximately 80km northwest of Bourke in western NSW. It was registered in April 2016 and covers 17,644.55 ha.

Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) projects involve establishing permanent, even-aged native forests through assisted regeneration from in-situ seed sources, such as rootstock and lignotubers. A standard requirement for this method is that the land must have been previously cleared of vegetation and had its regrowth actively suppressed for at least 10 years prior to the project commencing. To achieve regeneration, this project relies on ceasing these suppressive pressures by managing the timing and extent of livestock grazing and controlling feral animal populations (such as goats) in a humane manner.

The Bourke area is traditionally known for sheep and cattle grazing operations. The environment is considered semi-arid, typically receiving less than 350mm of rainfall annually. The local landscape features gently undulating terrain and stony ridges, with soils that are generally red earths and shallow stony loams. The dominant native vegetation regenerating on the property includes mulga (Acacia aneura), bimble box (Eucalyptus populnea), and various native shrub species.

This project was established on a property that had been severely overgrazed and lacked basic infrastructure. Partnering with the project proponent Terra Carbon Pty Limited (which operates as the major carbon aggregator GreenCollar), the farm used carbon farming revenue to fund nearly half a million dollars in infrastructure upgrades. This included 30km of new boundary fencing, modern water points, and new stock yards, which ultimately allowed the owners to sustainably rotate stock across seven paddocks. This approach has not only allowed native forests and pastures to re-establish strong root systems but has successfully secured the long-term financial viability of the farming operation.