WA Carbon Cattle Conservation Project #071921

WA Carbon Cattle Conservation Project #071921 is a Human-Induced Regeneration project located in the remote Nullarbor region of Western Australia, approximately 100km west of Eucla in the Shire of Dundas. It was registered in February 2022 and covers a massive 385,502.82ha.

Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) projects involve establishing permanent, even-aged native forests by altering land management practices on previously cleared land where regrowth was suppressed for at least 10 years. Standard requirements for this methodology dictate the mitigation of regrowth inhibitors to allow in-situ seed sources, such as rootstock and lignotubers, to successfully regenerate into a permanent native forest.

The Nullarbor region is known for its arid to semi-arid environment with very low rainfall. The regional soils generally consist of shallow calcareous loams over limestone, as well as sandy clay soils. The primary land use in this vast, remote area consists of cattle and sheep pastoral grazing operations alongside environmental conservation.

Operated by REGENCO PTY LTD, this project balances cattle operations with environmental rehabilitation by humanely managing feral animals, controlling non-native plants, and carefully managing the timing and extent of livestock grazing. Interestingly, the project was awarded an Optional Delivery Carbon Abatement Contract for 500,000 Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) by the Clean Energy Regulator, indicating a substantial expected carbon sequestration potential over its 25-year nominated permanence period.