Lower Lila Native Forest Protection Project

Lower Lila Native Forest Protection Project is an Avoided deforestation project located around 50km northwest of Bourke in New South Wales, situated near the edge of the Warrego River. It was registered in December 2019 and covers 22,112.84 hectares.

Avoided deforestation projects involve protecting native forests from being cleared and preventing the land from being converted to an agricultural system. A standard requirement for this methodology is that the land must have been issued a clearing consent or permit prior to 1 July 2010.

The Bourke area is known for sheep and cattle grazing operations. The region is considered semi-arid with low rainfall, and soils are generally red earths and heavy clays associated with the nearby Warrego River floodplains.

This project is located on Lower Lila Station, where the landholder has run a Merino sheep enterprise for nearly 30 years. The proponent, Terra Carbon Pty Limited, works in conjunction with GreenCollar to protect and manage native vegetation across the property, including Mulga, Coolibah, Bimble Box, Turpentine, Hopbush, and Punty Bush. Revenue from the carbon project is being reinvested into the station to upgrade infrastructure, improve fencing, and develop waterpoints. These improvements help to better manage grazing pressure and control feral animals, which in turn provides a healthier landscape and habitat for local native wildlife such as Geckos, Dunnarts, Bustards, and Quails.