Catchment Conservation Alliance - Great Barrier Reef Initiative Site #3

Catchment Conservation Alliance - Great Barrier Reef Initiative Site #3 is a Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) project located on the "Colodan" property, approximately 45km west of Monto in Central Queensland. It was registered in July 2017 and covers 4,659.86 ha.

Human-Induced Regeneration projects involve establishing permanent native forests through assisted regeneration from in-situ seed sources, such as rootstock and lignotubers. To meet the methodology's standard requirements, the regenerating vegetation must have the potential to reach a mature state of at least 20% crown cover and 2 metres in height. This is achieved through specific project activities, which for this site include the cessation of mechanical or chemical suppression of regrowth, managing the timing and extent of livestock grazing, and the humane management of feral animals.

The Monto region is situated within the Burnett Mary Catchment and is widely known for beef cattle grazing and some forestry operations. The area is considered to have a sub-tropical, sub-humid climate with an average annual rainfall of around 621mm. Soils across the property are diverse and predominantly consist of Rudosols, Sodosols, Chromosols, Dermosols, and Vertosols.

This project was set up by a fourth-generation farming family to integrate carbon forestry with their existing cattle enterprise, moving away from historical broadscale land clearing practices. By regenerating native Eucalypt and Acacia woodlands, the project improves water retention and stabilizes the soil. Because the property sits within the Great Barrier Reef catchment, this stabilization directly improves water quality flowing to the reef by significantly reducing sediment runoff. Additionally, the increased tree cover provides valuable shade and shelter, which has reportedly improved the health and productivity of the grazing cattle. The project is managed in partnership with project developer GreenCollar, operating under the official proponent name Terra Carbon Pty Limited.