Western Australia Rangelands Conservation Initiative Site 18

Western Australia Rangelands Conservation Initiative Site 18 is a Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) project located on Tamala Station, approximately 90km north of Kalbarri and 110km south of Denham in the Shark Bay region of Western Australia. Registered on March 11, 2021, the project covers a substantial area of 154,425 hectares. The site is situated within the Shire of Shark Bay, a region traditionally used for pastoral grazing and known for its significant conservation values adjacent to the Shark Bay World Heritage Area.

The project operates under the Human-Induced Regeneration methodology, which involves changes to land management practices to facilitate the regrowth of native forest. In this semi-arid environment, which typically receives low rainfall of approximately 200–250mm annually, regeneration is achieved primarily by managing the timing and extent of livestock grazing and controlling feral animals such as goats. The landscape is characterized by the Tamala Limestone formation, featuring sandy soils and red earth that support vegetation types such as Acacia shrublands (Mulga) and coastal heath.

An interesting aspect of this project is its location near the Zuytdorp Cliffs and within the buffer zone of the Shark Bay World Heritage property, highlighting the dual benefit of carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation. The project is part of a broader portfolio by proponent Terra Carbon Pty Limited, aimed at regenerating rangelands across Western Australia. In September 2023, the project area underwent a variation to amend specific areas included in the carbon estimation area.