Catchment Conservation Alliance - Southern Rivers Initiative Site #3

Catchment Conservation Alliance - Southern Rivers Initiative Site #3 is a Human-Induced Regeneration project located approximately 90km north-west of Cunnamulla in the Paroo and Quilpie Shires of South West Queensland. It was registered in March 2017 and covers an extensive 32,633.57 hectares.

Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) projects involve establishing permanent native forests through assisted regeneration from in-situ seed sources, such as rootstock and lignotubers. Under this methodology, the land must have been previously cleared of vegetation and had regrowth suppressed for at least 10 years prior to the project's commencement. The target vegetation must have the potential to reach "forest cover" status, which requires attaining a tree height of at least 2 metres and a crown cover of at least 20%. To successfully restore the native forest on this land, the project engages in the strategic management of the timing and extent of livestock grazing, alongside the humane management of feral animals.

This South West Queensland area is situated within the Mulga Lands bioregion and is traditionally known for extensive sheep and cattle grazing operations. The environment is classified as semi-arid, experiencing low and highly variable rainfall. The region's soils are typically comprised of red earths, sandy loams, and scattered areas of clay, with the landscape characterized by stony rises interspersed by creek and river systems.

An interesting note is that the project operates on a property called "Aldville," managed by Michelle and Jock Leishman. The land had previously been degraded by heavy stocking. The landholders partnered with the project proponent Terra Carbon Pty Limited, a subsidiary of the environmental market investor GreenCollar, to reduce and rotate stock, allowing dominant local species like Mulga (Acacia aneura) to recover. The carbon income has funded infrastructure improvements and provided the farmers with real stability and drought resilience through a diverse income stream that is not subject to the same pressures as livestock farming. As a result of these sustainable practices, local biodiversity has significantly improved; birdlife on Aldville is thriving with budgies, brolgas, and mulga parrots, while reptile and emu populations have also increased across the property.