WA Carbon Cattle Conservation Project #071921

WA Carbon Cattle Conservation Project #071921 is a Human-Induced Regeneration project located at the remote Nullarbor region of Western Australia, approximately 100km west of Eucla in the Shire of Dundas. It was registered on February 8, 2022, and covers a massive 385,502.82 hectares.

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 suppression of regrowth inhibitors. For this project, activities involve managing the timing and extent of livestock grazing, humanely managing feral animals, and controlling plants that are not native to the project area. These activities allow in-situ seed sources, such as rootstock and lignotubers, to successfully regenerate into a permanent native forest.

The Nullarbor region where this project is located 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 aims to balance cattle operations with environmental rehabilitation. Interestingly, the project was awarded an Optional Delivery Carbon Abatement Contract (CAC214411) 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.