Norley Regeneration Project

Norley Regeneration Project is a Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) project located at Norley Station, approximately 45km north-west of Thargomindah in south-western Queensland. Registered in November 2017, the project covers a massive area of 273,688.51 hectares.

Human-Induced Regeneration projects aim to establish permanent, even-aged native forests by removing land management pressures that prevent natural forest regrowth. For this project, standard requirements involve ceasing the mechanical or chemical destruction of regrowth and closely managing the timing and extent of livestock grazing. This methodology allows native vegetation to naturally regenerate from in-situ seed sources, such as subterranean rootstocks and lignotubers, on land where regrowth had previously been actively suppressed for at least 10 years prior to the project commencing.

The Thargomindah region is known for large-scale broadacre pastoral operations, specifically cattle and sheep grazing. Usher Pastoral Company, the project proponent, operates Norley Station as a pastoral enterprise, running breeds such as Droughtmaster and Charolais cattle which are often sold at the Roma Saleyards. The regional environment is classified as semi-arid with low and highly variable rainfall. The local Mulga Lands and Channel Country soils are predominantly iconic red earth, featuring sandy loams, sand dunes, gravel plains, and heavy alluvial clays across the floodplains.

Interestingly, this carbon project operates within the native title area of the Kullilli People. The traditional owners, via the Kullilli Bulloo River Aboriginal Corporation (KBRAC), have formed agreements with the project's developer, Climate Friendly, to support carbon farming initiatives that empower the community, protect culturally significant sites, and ensure sustainable land management. Additionally, Norley Station holds historical significance as a prominent pastoral run originally associated with the legendary Australian "Cattle King" Sir Sidney Kidman.