Yallalong Station Murchison HIR Aggregation

Yallalong Station Murchison HIR Aggregation is a Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) project located on Yallalong Station, approximately 270km northeast of Geraldton on the Murchison River in Western Australia. It was registered in August 2020 and covers a substantial area of 271,663.32 hectares, though a project variation in July 2024 saw some areas removed.

The project operates under the Human-Induced Regeneration of a Permanent Even-Aged Native Forest methodology. This method establishes permanent native forests through assisted regeneration from in-situ seed sources, such as rootstocks and lignotubers, on land that was previously cleared and where regrowth was suppressed for at least ten years. The project achieves this by modifying suppressive land management practices. Specific requirements and activities for this project include the exclusion of livestock, carefully managing the timing and extent of grazing, and the humane management of feral animals.

The Murchison region is historically known for large-scale pastoral leases focused on sheep and cattle grazing. The environment is semi-arid, experiencing a low average annual rainfall of roughly 230mm. Soils in the area generally consist of sandy loams, red earths, and claypan deposits situated across the Yilgarn Craton and the Murchison River catchment.

An interesting historical note is that Yallalong Station has a rich pastoral heritage and was acquired in the early 1910s by Mark Rubin, a prominent pearling fleet owner and dealer. In modern times, the property has also attracted mining companies exploring the Yallalong Basin for minerals such as antimony and gold.