BANYULA AUSTRALIA PROJECT

Banyula Australia Project (formerly known as Saratini Farm Project) is a permanent environmental planting project located near Clunes, approximately 20km northeast of Lismore in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. Registered in June 2022, the project covers approximately 353 hectares (roughly 900 acres) of land situated within the Wilsons River catchment. The property, known locally as "Banyula," was established on land historically used for agriculture, primarily grazing, and is now the site of a significant ecological restoration effort aimed at regenerating the "Big Scrub" subtropical rainforest.

The project operates under the Reforestation by Environmental or Mallee Plantings-FullCAM methodology. This involves establishing permanent plantings of native tree species on land that has been clear of forest cover for at least five years. The methodology requires planting at densities sufficient to achieve forest cover (typically over 200 stems per hectare), with carbon sequestration calculated using the FullCAM model rather than direct field measurements. In this specific case, the project reportedly involves planting over 300,000 trees to create a biodiversity corridor along the river, utilizing a mix of species native to the local rainforest ecosystem.

The Clunes and Federal area is characterized by a high rainfall subtropical climate and fertile red basalt (volcanic) soils, ideal for rapid vegetation growth. The region is transitioning from traditional dairy and macadamia farming to a mix of lifestyle properties and conservation agriculture.

Notable aspects of this project include its strong community engagement and leadership by director Matthew Bleakley. The site has hosted field days with the Regenerative Agriculture Alliance and filmmaker Damon Gameau, highlighting its role as a demonstration site for regenerative practices. Additionally, the project has implemented innovative pest control measures, such as installing owl boxes to manage rat populations naturally. The project name was officially changed from Saratini Farm Project in September 2024, and a variation to the project area was processed in January 2026.