Wallaby Wetlands Carbon Project

Wallaby Wetlands Carbon Project is a permanent mixed-species environmental planting project located near Mount Molloy, approximately 55km north of Cairns in Far North Queensland. It was registered in April 2023 and covers 74.62ha.

Environmental planting projects involve establishing permanent plantings of native tree species on land that was predominantly used for agricultural purposes for at least five years prior. Under standard requirements, these native trees are typically planted at a density of at least 200 stems per hectare to achieve permanent forest cover.

The Mount Molloy and Mareeba Shire region is predominantly known for cattle grazing, as well as its history in timber and cane farming. The area experiences a tropical climate with high wet-season rainfall, and local soils generally range from heavy cracking clays to duplex alluvial types.

This project was set up on a degraded former cane farm to regenerate the land into a thriving wildlife sanctuary. Supported by a $3.3 million investment from the Queensland Government's Land Restoration Fund, the plantings aim to restore melaleuca wetlands and remnant littoral rainforest to support threatened wildlife such as the southern cassowary, feathertail glider, and striped possum. Since its commencement, the project has undergone administrative updates, including area variations in August 2023 and August 2024, as well as a proponent name change to CO2 Australia Pty Ltd in December 2024.