Cocanarup Carbon+Biodiversity ID-R2 1495

Cocanarup Carbon+Biodiversity ID-R2 1495 is an environmental planting project located in the locality of Cocanarup, approximately 15km southwest of Ravensthorpe in the South Coast region of Western Australia. Registered in April 2023, the project covers 146.70 hectares of land that was previously used for agricultural purposes, such as grazing or cropping. The site sits within a landscape historically associated with the Cocanarup Sheep Station and is adjacent to significant conservation areas like the Cocanarup Timber Reserve.

The project operates under the Reforestation by Environmental or Mallee Plantings-FullCAM methodology. This specifically involves establishing permanent plantings of mixed native tree species, such as local mallee eucalypts, at densities sufficient to achieve forest cover. As a participant in Round 2 of the Australian Government’s Carbon+Biodiversity Pilot, this project is designed to deliver dual benefits: sequestering carbon to generate Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) and enhancing habitat for native wildlife. Participating projects generally adhere to strict planting protocols to ensure the vegetation closely resembles local native communities.

The environment in the Ravensthorpe region is characterized by a Mediterranean to semi-arid climate, with an average annual rainfall of approximately 380mm to 430mm, falling predominantly in winter. The local terrain typically features hard-setting loamy soils, duplex soils (sand over clay), and sandplains, which naturally support diverse mallee heaths and woodlands.

An interesting facet of this project is its specific funding structure; the proponent, The Tijuk Foundation Pty Ltd, secured a grant of $343,695 under the Carbon+Biodiversity Pilot to support the vegetation establishment. The wider Cocanarup area is biologically significant, known as a habitat for the endangered Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo and deriving its name from the Noongar word for "place where water always stays."