North Queensland Conservation Initiative Site #3

North Queensland Conservation Initiative Site #3 is a Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) project located on Kinrara Station, roughly an hour south of Mount Garnet in Far North Queensland. It was registered in October 2020 and covers 23,588.39 ha.

Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) projects involve establishing permanent native forests by altering land management practices on properties where vegetation was historically cleared and suppressed for at least 10 years. The standard requirements for this method dictate that the land must have the potential to reach forest cover, defined as at least 20% crown canopy cover and a height of 2 metres. The primary project activity here involves managing the timing and extent of livestock grazing. By shifting from continuous set stocking to carefully managed grazing regimes, the project allows native vegetation to regenerate naturally from in-situ seed sources, rootstocks, and lignotubers.

The Tablelands region and the area south of Mount Garnet are predominantly used for cattle farming, conservation, and eco-tourism. The environment is characterised as a dry tropics savanna, experiencing highly seasonal rainfall and semi-arid conditions away from watercourses. However, the geology at Kinrara Station is unique; the soils are incredibly rich and fertile, having been formed by ancient basalt lava flows from the Kinrara shield volcano. The property sits right at the source of the Burdekin River, creating an oasis of permanent spring-fed creeks, lagoons, and interconnected wetlands amidst the open eucalypt woodlands.

This project is an excellent example of how profitable beef grazing can successfully co-exist with carbon sequestration and eco-tourism. Managed by the O'Brien family in collaboration with Terra Carbon Pty Limited and GreenCollar, the project is further supported by a $4.97 million investment from the Queensland Government's Land Restoration Fund. The property borders Kinrara National Park and provides vital habitat for over 195 identified bird species. Additionally, the land holds deep historical and cultural significance for the Gugu Badhun people, the Traditional Custodians of this volcanic landscape.