Salisbury Downs Human-Induced Regeneration Project

The Salisbury Downs Human-Induced Regeneration Project is a carbon farming initiative located on Salisbury Downs Station, a large pastoral lease in the Unincorporated Far West Region of New South Wales. The project area is situated approximately 110 kilometres north of White Cliffs and 85 kilometres southeast of Tibooburra. Registered in August 2023, the project covers a substantial area of 46,248 hectares.

Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) projects of this type focus on regenerating permanent even-aged native forests. This is achieved by ceasing or managing suppression activities, primarily the uncontrolled grazing of livestock and feral animals, to allow natural regrowth to re-establish. For the project to generate Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs), the land must have forest potential (capable of reaching 2 metres in height and 20% canopy cover) and must have been suppressed for at least 10 years prior to the project's commencement.

The region is defined by its arid, outback environment, historically utilized for extensive sheep and cattle grazing. The landscape at Salisbury Downs is characterized by sand dunes interspersed with clay pans, supporting vegetation such as Mulga (Acacia aneura), Cottonbush, and Saltbush. The climate is semi-arid to arid, with low and variable rainfall typically averaging between 200mm and 250mm annually.

Salisbury Downs Station holds significant historical value in the Australian pastoral industry. Established in the late 19th century, it was notably acquired in 1914 by the legendary "Cattle King" Sidney Kidman, who incorporated it into his vast network of pastoral holdings. The property historically relied on bore water from the Great Artesian Basin to support stock in the dry conditions.