'Long Swamp Native Forest Protection Project

Long Swamp Native Forest Protection Project is an avoided deforestation project located at the Long Swamp property, approximately 16km north of Collarenebri and within the broader Walgett local government area in north-western NSW. It was registered in July 2020 and covers 4,513 hectares.

Avoided Deforestation projects aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by preventing the clearing of native forests. Under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative-Avoided Deforestation 1.1) Methodology, landholders must have been issued a valid land-clearing permit prior to 1 July 2010. Instead of executing the permit, the landholder commits to permanently protecting the forest and preventing the land from being converted to an agricultural system, such as cropping or pasture.

The Collarenebri and Walgett region is heavily utilised for sheep and cattle grazing, as well as rotational cropping (such as wheat, lentils, and chickpeas). The environment is classified as semi-arid with a highly variable average annual rainfall of approximately 360mm to 450mm. Soils in this district typically consist of a mix of shallow red soils in the scrub country and heavy alluvial black clays along the river plains.

The Long Swamp property was purchased in 2019 by a 23-year-old farmer. Traditionally, producers in the area might clear scrub to promote grass growth for sheep grazing. However, this carbon project allowed the new owner to retain the native flora and fauna while using the income generated from Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) to drought-proof the farm. This alternative revenue stream means the land does not need to be heavily stocked or overgrazed during dry periods, improving overall ecological resilience and land condition. The project's proponent is Terra Carbon Pty Limited, a subsidiary of the environmental market developer GreenCollar.