Blue-leafed Mallee Project B (Revoked)

Blue-leafed Mallee Project B (Revoked) is a reforestation project located approximately 45km northeast of Condobolin in the Lachlan Shire of New South Wales. Registered in April 2016, the project covers a small area of 8.08 hectares. The region is predominantly agricultural, characterized by broadacre cropping and grazing on the expansive western plains. The project area itself was previously used for agricultural purposes before being converted to permanent tree plantings.

The project operates under the Carbon Farming Initiative (Reforestation and Afforestation 2.0) methodology. This specific methodology requires the establishment of trees on land that has been clear of forest for at least five years prior to the project's commencement. In this instance, the project involved planting Eucalyptus polybractea (Blue-leaved Mallee), a species native to the district and highly valued for its drought tolerance and high eucalyptus oil content. These trees are typically planted at densities sufficient to achieve permanent forest cover, providing both carbon sequestration and potential biodiversity benefits.

Environmentally, the Condobolin region is classified as semi-arid, receiving an average annual rainfall of approximately 420mm to 470mm. The soils in this area are typically red-brown earths and red texture-contrast soils, which are well-drained but often low in nutrients like phosphorus. These conditions are ideal for the Blue Mallee, which thrives in poor, dry soils where other species might struggle.

Notably, this project was voluntarily revoked on July 12, 2023, under section 30 of the CFI Rule. Before its revocation, it was part of a broader portfolio managed by Carbon Estate Pty Ltd, with CO2 Australia acting as the agent. CO2 Australia has historically managed large "carbon estates" of mallee plantings in NSW, often integrating them into working farms to provide shelter for livestock or to rehabilitate degraded land. The revocation suggests the project proponent chose to exit the scheme, which can occur for various commercial or operational reasons.