Varna Station Human-Induced Regeneration Project

Varna Station Human-Induced Regeneration Project is a Human-Induced Regeneration project located at Varna Station in South West Queensland, approximately 98km north of Quilpie and 187km west of Charleville. It was registered in April 2017 and covers 17,215.76 ha.

Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) projects involve establishing permanent native forests through assisted regeneration from in-situ seed sources, such as rootstock and lignotubers. This methodology requires that the land was previously cleared and regrowth suppressed for at least 10 years. To achieve forest cover, standard project activities include ceasing the mechanical or chemical destruction of regrowth and carefully managing the timing and extent of livestock grazing.

The Quilpie and Adavale area is known for extensive sheep and cattle grazing operations. The region is considered semi-arid, experiencing low annual rainfall averaging between 350mm and 390mm. The local environment is dominated by mulga vegetation, and the soils are generally red, yellow, and grey massive earths, formally known as Kandosols.

Interestingly, this project was initially established by private landholders (Colin and Jo Creagh) but was later acquired by the Queensland Government. In December 2023, the project proponent was officially updated to the Department of Environment and Science (now the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation). Local council documents indicate that Varna Station was incorporated into the state's protected area expansion program, meaning the land will be managed as a conservation reserve while continuing to meet its legal carbon project obligations.