Catchment Conservation Alliance - Great Barrier Reef Initiative Site #6

Catchment Conservation Alliance - Great Barrier Reef Initiative Site #6 is an avoided clearing of native regrowth project located in the North Burnett Regional local government area of Queensland, approximately 40km west of Monto. It was registered in July 2018 and covers a project area of 4,659.86 hectares.

Avoided clearing of native regrowth projects involve protecting native forest that would otherwise be legally cleared. Under the Carbon Farming Initiative 2015 methodology, proponents must demonstrate they hold the legal right to clear land that has historically been subject to clearing. By maintaining the native forest cover and avoiding mechanical or chemical clearing, the project prevents greenhouse gas emissions from biomass loss and protects existing carbon stocks.

The North Burnett area is known predominantly for beef cattle grazing, alongside some cropping and plantation forestry operations. The region features a sub-tropical to semi-arid climate with average annual rainfall generally falling between 600mm and 900mm. The soils in this inland catchment are highly diverse, typically featuring deep red volcanic soils (basalts), clays, and sandy loams over granite outcrops.

An interesting note about this project is its connection to the broader Great Barrier Reef Initiative managed by Terra Carbon Pty Limited. By voluntarily preventing land clearing in the Burnett River catchment, the project supports vital co-benefits, such as reducing soil erosion and nutrient-heavy sediment runoff that would otherwise flow into the Great Barrier Reef basin. Furthermore, the risk management software firm Protecht recently purchased ACCUs generated from this specific site to offset its footprint and successfully achieve its Climate Active carbon neutral certification in early 2025.