North Queensland Conservation Initiative Site #3

North Queensland Conservation Initiative Site #3 is a Human-Induced Regeneration project located at Kinrara Station, approximately 90km south of Mount Garnet in the dry tropics of North Queensland. The project is managed by Terra Carbon Pty Limited, an entity associated with the GreenCollar Group. It was registered in October 2020 and covers 23,588 hectares. The surrounding region is predominantly known for extensive cattle grazing, and the project property itself operates as a working beef enterprise and outback eco-tourism destination.

Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) projects involve regenerating native forests by removing suppression activities that previously prevented tree growth. For this specific methodology, standard requirements involve managing the timing and extent of livestock grazing to allow native vegetation to recover from in-situ seed sources, such as rootstock and lignotubers, on land where regrowth was suppressed for at least 10 years. Proponents typically reduce stocking density or implement rotational grazing to ensure young trees can successfully establish without being eaten or trampled by livestock.

The environment in this region is classified as semi-arid to dry tropical, experiencing a distinct wet summer season and a dry winter. Because Kinrara Station sits on the edge of an ancient shield volcano, the soils feature significant basalt influence alongside areas of red earth and sandy loam. This unique geology supports fertile crater valleys, permanent spring-fed creeks that form the source of the Burdekin River, and open eucalypt woodlands dominated by ironbarks and an understory of grass.

This project was set up to demonstrate how carbon farming can co-exist with commercial grazing operations, providing diversified revenue streams for pastoralists while restoring native biodiversity. Notably, it is supported by a $4.97 million collaboration with the Queensland Government's Land Restoration Fund. This investment aims to protect the traditional lands of the Gugu Badhun people, buffer the adjoining Kinrara National Park, and restore threatened ecosystems that provide habitat for over 195 bird species.