Springvale Human-Induced Regeneration Project (Revoked)

Springvale Human-Induced Regeneration Project (Revoked) was a carbon sequestration initiative located approximately 50km northwest of Walgett in northern New South Wales. The project was registered in March 2017 and covered an area of nearly 5,850 hectares on the "Springvale" property, a mixed farming and grazing station situated on the Narran Lakes Road. The region is characterized by flat red loams and black soil floodplains, typical of the semi-arid Walgett Shire, which generally receives an annual rainfall of around 480mm.

The project operated under the Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) methodology, which credits landholders for allowing native forests to regenerate by ceasing suppression activities, such as mechanical clearing or heavy grazing, rather than planting new trees. Specifically, this project aimed to regenerate permanent even-aged native forests from in-situ seed sources like rootstock and lignotubers. To achieve this, the proponent, Miaoli Holdings Pty Ltd, was required to manage the timing and extent of grazing and stop any destruction of regrowth to ensure the vegetation reached forest cover status (at least 20% canopy cover and 2 meters in height).

Despite being contracted in April 2017 to deliver over 68,000 tonnes of carbon abatement to the Australian Government, the project faced difficulties. The carbon abatement contract was terminated or lapsed in October 2018 with zero credits delivered. Subsequently, the project was voluntarily revoked under Section 30 of the Carbon Farming Initiative Rule in October 2019. The property itself, Springvale, is known for running cattle, Dorper sheep, and rangeland goats, and features a mix of open grazing country and timbered areas.