Catchment Conservation Alliance - Southern Rivers Initiative Site #3

Catchment Conservation Alliance - Southern Rivers Initiative Site #3 is a Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) project located at Aldville Station, approximately 100km north-west of Cunnamulla in South West Queensland. Registered on March 23, 2017, the project covers a substantial area of 32,633 hectares within the Paroo Shire. The property is situated in the Mulga Lands bioregion, an area traditionally dominated by sheep and cattle grazing.

The project operates under the Human-Induced Regeneration methodology, which involves regenerating permanent native forests by ceasing suppression activities. In this context, the project focuses on managing the timing and extent of grazing and controlling feral animals to allow native vegetation to recover. Standard requirements for this methodology include ensuring the land was previously cleared or suppressed for at least 10 years and maintaining forest cover density once regenerated.

The region is characterized by a semi-arid climate with an average annual rainfall of approximately 300-400mm. The landscape features stony rises interspersed with creek and river systems, typical of the Warrego and Paroo catchments. Soils in the area are predominantly red earths and clays (Vertosols and Kandosols), supporting vegetation such as Mulga (Acacia aneura), Gidgee (Acacia cambagei), and Sandalwood (Eremophila mitchellii).

This project is part of a broader initiative by the Catchment Conservation Alliance and is managed by Terra Carbon Pty Limited (a GreenCollar company). The project owners, Michelle and Jock Leishman, implemented these changes to recover land degraded by historic heavy stocking. Beyond carbon sequestration, the project aims to improve biodiversity, providing habitat for species such as budgies, brolgas, and mulga parrots, while enhancing drought resilience and business sustainability for the station.