SouthGlen Native Forest Regeneration Project

SouthGlen Native Forest Regeneration Project is a human-induced regeneration (HIR) project located approximately 100km east of Cunnamulla and 90km southwest of Bollon in the Paroo Shire of Queensland. Registered on November 4, 2016, the project covers a substantial area of 27,977 hectares along the Balonne Highway, situated near other pastoral properties such as Murra Murra and Belingra.

The project utilizes the Human-Induced Regeneration of a Permanent Even-Aged Native Forest methodology. This approach involves regenerating native forest on land where vegetation had previously been cleared or suppressed. To achieve this, the proponents, John and Luke Kerin, implement specific management activities to reduce suppression pressure, primarily by managing the timing and extent of livestock grazing and controlling feral animals. These actions allow the in-situ seed sources (such as rootstock and lignotubers) to regenerate into permanent native forest.

The region lies within the Mulga Lands bioregion, an area traditionally used for sheep and cattle grazing. The environment is characterized by a semi-arid climate with highly variable annual rainfall averaging between 300mm and 400mm. The terrain typically features red earth soils (Kandosols) and grey cracking clays (Vertosols) which support Mulga (Acacia aneura) woodlands and native tussock grasses.

An interesting note regarding this project is its commercial relationships; corporate reports indicate that Woodside Energy has purchased Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) from the SouthGlen project as part of its decarbonization portfolio. The project holds a carbon abatement contract (CAC783845) with the Clean Energy Regulator, securing the sale of a significant volume of abatement to the Commonwealth.