Peppora Station

Peppora Station, formerly registered as AI Carbon No.3 NSW PS, is a Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) project located in the semi-arid rangelands of the Lower Darling region, approximately 50 to 60km north of Pooncarie and south of Menindee in New South Wales. Registered in September 2021, the carbon project encompasses a substantial area of 34,878 hectares.

Human-Induced Regeneration projects aim to establish permanent, even-aged native forests by facilitating assisted regeneration from in-situ seed sources, such as rootstock and lignotubers. This methodology is strictly applied to land that was previously cleared of vegetation and where natural regrowth has been suppressed for at least 10 years prior to the project's commencement. To meet standard requirements and successfully regenerate the native canopy, the Peppora Station project actively manages the timing and extent of livestock grazing while humanely controlling feral animals like goats and rabbits to protect emerging saplings.

The surrounding region in the Western Division of NSW is traditionally known for its extensive pastoral grazing, primarily running sheep, cattle, and goats. The local environment experiences a harsh semi-arid climate defined by low and erratic rainfall, typically averaging between 250mm and 300mm annually. The region's soil landscape generally consists of solonized brown soils, sandy loams, and red earths, shifting to heavier clay soils closer to the Darling River floodplains.

Managed by project proponent AI Carbon Projects No 3 Pty Ltd, the carbon footprint saw a variation in late 2023, where specific areas were removed from the original Carbon Estimation Area. Interestingly, Peppora Station holds a notable pastoral history; it was purchased by Robert McBride in 1998 as part of a massive family landholding. Fast-forward to April 2026, the sprawling 51,179-hectare perpetual Western Lands lease station was listed for sale, prominently advertised with the financial benefits of its carbon credit scheme, which is expected to yield over 133,975 Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) over a 25-year crediting period.