Markarene Regeneration Project

The Markarene Regeneration Project is a Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) project located on "Markarene" station, approximately 100km northeast of Cunnamulla in South West Queensland. Registered on April 23, 2019, the project covers a substantial area of 25,241 hectares. The surrounding region is part of the Mulga Lands bioregion and is traditionally used for pastoral agriculture, specifically sheep and cattle grazing.

Human-Induced Regeneration projects involve implementing land management changes to facilitate the regrowth of native forest where vegetation was previously suppressed. For this specific project, the primary activity is the management of the timing and extent of grazing pressure, alongside feral animal control. This cessation of mechanical clearing and reduction of grazing allows the native forest to regenerate from in-situ seed sources, such as rootstock and lignotubers, which have been suppressed for at least 10 years prior to the project's commencement.

The environmental conditions at Markarene are typical of the semi-arid interior of Queensland. The area experiences low rainfall, generally averaging between 300mm to 400mm annually. The terrain is characterized by red earth and sandy loam soils, which support the growth of Mulga (Acacia aneura), Ironbark, and Box woodlands.

Carbon service provider Climate Friendly manages the project in partnership with the proponent, Markarene Pastoral Company. Interestingly, Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) generated by this project have been purchased and retired by corporate entities, such as Realmont Property Partners, to offset the carbon emissions of commercial buildings in Melbourne under the Climate Active scheme.