Varna Station Human-Induced Regeneration Project

Varna Station Human-Induced Regeneration Project is a regeneration project located in the remote Quilpie Shire of south-west Queensland, approximately 110km west of Charleville and near the Langlo River. Registered in April 2017, the project covers a substantial area of 17,215 hectares. The region is traditionally dominated by pastoral leaseholds used for sheep and cattle grazing, characterized by the vast Mulga Lands bioregion.

The project operates under the Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) methodology. This carbon farming method involves regenerating native forests on land where vegetation had previously been suppressed, typically by livestock grazing or mechanical clearing, for at least 10 years prior to the project. By managing the timing and extent of grazing and ceasing mechanical destruction, the project allows native vegetation to regrow and reach forest cover status.

Environmentally, the site is situated in a semi-arid zone with an average annual rainfall of approximately 450-500mm. The landscape is defined by red earth soils (Kandosols) and massive earths which support resilient native species such as Mulga (Acacia aneura) and Poplar Box. These soil types are generally low in fertility and hold water poorly, making the native vegetation highly adapted to dry spells.

A significant development for this project occurred in December 2023, when the proponent role was transferred from private station owners (Colin and Jo Creagh) to the Queensland State Government's Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation. This transition indicates that Varna Station has likely been acquired by the state to expand the Protected Area Estate, repurposing the land for conservation while maintaining the carbon abatement activities initiated by the previous owners.