Norma Vale Regeneration

Norma Vale Regeneration is a Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) project located at the Norma Vale property, approximately 80km south of Cobar and west of Nymagee in the Cobar Shire of New South Wales. It was registered on June 17, 2022, and currently covers an area of 8,700.48 hectares.

Human-Induced Regeneration projects involve establishing permanent, even-aged native forests by removing pressures that suppress native tree growth, such as land clearing, overgrazing by livestock, or the presence of feral animals. To successfully generate carbon credits, these project areas are expected to reach a native forest cover of at least 20% canopy density and 2 meters in height.

The Cobar and Nymagee region is historically associated with extensive livestock grazing on pastoral stations, as well as significant polymetallic mineral exploration and mining operations. The local environment features a semi-arid climate with characteristically low rainfall. Soils in the area are typically red earths, red sandy loams, and lateritic soils belonging to the Cobar Peneplain, which naturally support native vegetation like Bimble Box and White Cypress Pine.

This project aims to establish permanent native forests through assisted regeneration relying on in-situ seed sources, including resilient rootstock and lignotubers. It is being implemented on land that was previously cleared of vegetation and where regrowth was actively suppressed for at least 10 years prior to the project's commencement. The core project activities involve ceasing the mechanical or chemical destruction of regrowth and managing feral animals in a humane manner to allow the forest to recover. In September 2023, a variation was made to the project, resulting in some specific areas being removed from the registered boundary.