North Queensland Conservation Initiative Site #3

North Queensland Conservation Initiative Site #3 is a Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) project located at Kinrara Station, approximately 100km south of Mount Garnet in the Einasleigh Uplands of Queensland. Registered in October 2020, the project covers a total boundary area of approximately 23,588 hectares, encompassing the operational cattle station. The region is primarily used for beef cattle grazing and is known for its unique volcanic landscape, including the Kinrara Nature Reserve which hosts eco-tourism operations.

The project operates under the Human-Induced Regeneration methodology, which involves regenerating native forests from in-situ seed sources (like rootstock and lignotubers) rather than planting new trees. To achieve this, the proponents manage the timing and extent of cattle grazing, shifting from set stocking to rotational grazing, and control feral animals. These activities reduce the suppression of vegetation, allowing native woodlands to regenerate and reach forest cover status (at least 20% crown cover and 2 meters in height).

Environmentally, the site is situated in the Dry Tropics, characterized by a semi-arid to sub-humid climate with highly seasonal, monsoonal rainfall concentrated in the summer months. The soil composition is distinct for the region, featuring rich basalt soils derived from ancient lava flows and volcanic activity associated with the nearby Kinrara crater. The terrain includes undulating Eucalypt and Bloodwood woodlands, spring-fed creeks, and wetlands that feed into the Burdekin River catchment.

This project is a collaboration between the proponent, Terra Carbon (a subsidiary of GreenCollar), and the station owners, the O'Brien family. Notably, the project secured investment from the Queensland Government's Land Restoration Fund, recognizing its co-benefits such as biodiversity protection. The property shares a boundary with Kinrara National Park and provides a buffer for wildlife corridors, supporting over 195 identified bird species and protecting valuable wetland ecosystems.