Catchment Conservation Alliance - Great Barrier Reef Initiative Site #7

Catchment Conservation Alliance - Great Barrier Reef Initiative Site #7 is a Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) project located in the North Burnett region of Queensland. Situated approximately 30km east of the town of Monto and 80km west of Bundaberg, the project covers a substantial area of 6,789 hectares. It was registered in January 2020.

The project operates under the Human-Induced Regeneration methodology, which involves regenerating native forests on land where vegetation has been historically suppressed. Key project activities include managing the timing and extent of cattle grazing and the humane control of feral animals. By removing these suppression mechanisms, the project aims to allow existing native seed stocks (in-situ seeds, rootstock, and lignotubers) to regenerate into a permanent even-aged native forest.

The North Burnett region is characteristically used for beef cattle grazing on native pastures and forestry operations. The environment is subtropical with a moderate rainfall classification, typically receiving between 700mm and 900mm annually. The terrain in this locality often features texture-contrast soils (chromosols) and shallow rocky soils on ridges, supporting eucalypt woodlands and open forests.

An interesting aspect of this project is its inclusion in the Catchment Conservation Alliance, which appears to be a strategic partnership involving the proponent, Terra Carbon, and the Queensland Government. The Great Barrier Reef Initiative branding suggests a dual purpose: sequestering carbon while simultaneously improving water quality in the reef catchment (likely the Burnett River basin) by reducing sediment runoff through increased vegetation cover.