Tebin Regeneration Project

The Tebin Regeneration Project is a Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) project located on 'Tebin Station' approximately 10km south-west of Quilpie in South West Queensland. Registered in September 2022, the project covers a substantial area of 27,629 hectares. The property is owned and operated by Mulligan Grazing Pty Ltd (Jane Mulligan and Bill Watts), who run a beef cattle operation on the land.

The Quilpie region is part of the Mulga Lands bioregion, characterized by semi-arid conditions and red earth soils. This area is traditionally used for sheep and cattle grazing but is subject to variable rainfall and frequent droughts. The project area adjoins the Quilpie Town Common, integrating the carbon project closely with the local community landscape.

Human-Induced Regeneration projects involve regenerating permanent native forests by suppressing activities that previously prevented regrowth, rather than planting new trees. For the Tebin project, this involves managing the timing and extent of cattle grazing, controlling feral animals (such as goats or pigs), and ceasing mechanical clearing. These activities allow native vegetation, likely Mulga (Acacia aneura) or similar species native to the area, to regenerate from in-situ seed sources and rootstock.

An interesting aspect of this project is the background of its proponents; Jane Mulligan, originally from Brisbane, moved to the region for a rural lifestyle, partnering with Bill Watts, a lifelong grazier. They have integrated the carbon project into their active cattle business, which runs approximately 500 head of cattle. The project has secured a carbon abatement contract with the Australian Government, with an optional delivery of over 120,000 tonnes of abatement.