'Catchment Conservation Alliance - Southern Rivers Initiative Site #5

Catchment Conservation Alliance - Southern Rivers Initiative Site #5 is a Human-Induced Regeneration project located on Lantana Station, approximately 150km south-west of Charleville near Cheepie in South West Queensland. It was registered in October 2017 and covers a massive 38,021.96 hectares.

Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) projects aim to establish permanent, even-aged native forests on land that was previously cleared of vegetation and where regrowth was actively suppressed for at least 10 years prior to the project. This methodology relies on implementing new management activities to allow native vegetation to naturally regenerate from in-situ seed sources, including rootstock and lignotubers, eventually achieving mature forest cover.

The South West Queensland region sits within the Mulga Lands bioregion, which features a semi-arid climate characterized by low annual rainfall. The soils are typically mulga soils, red earths, and sandy loams, and the surrounding area is predominantly used for extensive beef cattle grazing. Dominant native plant species in this specific project area include mulga (Acacia aneura), Eremophila species, and hopbush (Dodonaea lobulata).

To achieve robust regeneration, the project activities include the strategic management of the timing and extent of livestock grazing, alongside the humane management of feral animals. These changes are supported by practical farm infrastructure investments, such as fencing upgrades and improved waterpoint management across the project area.

Lantana Station was purchased by Carl and Judi Bain in 2009 after previous management had left the land severely overgrazed and in poor condition. By partnering with the project proponent, Terra Carbon Pty Limited (a subsidiary of the environmental markets developer GreenCollar), the owners gained an alternative income stream. This financial support enabled them to reduce stocking rates and rest paddocks without having to lock up their land. The Bain family also runs a successful paddock-to-plate enterprise from the station called "PastYour Lips," selling grass-fed, hormone-free beef. The Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) generated by this project have been highly sought after and purchased by major corporate buyers, including Woodside Energy and Maleny Dairies, to offset their greenhouse gas emissions.