Koumala Integrated Planting Carbon + Biodiversity ID R2-1503

Koumala Integrated Planting Carbon + Biodiversity ID R2-1503 is an environmental planting project located in Koumala, approximately 60km south of Mackay in Queensland. Registered in December 2022 by Aurizon Operations Limited, the project initially spanned an area of 251.69 hectares, though an October 2024 variation removed some specific areas from the project bounds.

The project operates under the Reforestation by Environmental or Mallee Plantings methodology. Environmental planting projects involve establishing a permanent mix of native tree species on land that was predominantly used for agricultural purposes for at least five years. These seedlings are planted at a sufficient density, typically requiring at least 200 stems per hectare, to establish permanent forest cover.

The Koumala area, part of the broader Mackay region, is characterised by a tropical climate with high wet-season rainfall. Regional soils are generally fertile alluvial and clay profiles well-suited for intensive agriculture. Local land use is primarily focused on sugar cane farming and cattle grazing operations. The project site itself was previously degraded by historical land clearing and grazing activities.

Representing the first nature-based carbon-offsetting tree reserve for rail freight operator Aurizon, the project received funding through the Federal Government's Carbon + Biodiversity Pilot. Aurizon partnered with the Mackay Regional Council to plant 59,000 native seedlings across 118 hectares of the site. Sourced from a local council nursery, the plantings adjoin Kelvin National Park and are expected to sequester over 32,000 tonnes of carbon over the project's 25-year lifespan.