Gabalong Farms Mallee 2023

Gabalong Farms Mallee 2023 is a reforestation project located in the locality of Gabalong, approximately 40km east of Moora in the Western Australian Wheatbelt. Registered in June 2023, the project covers nearly 385 hectares of agricultural land. The region is heavily utilized for dryland cropping (wheat, canola) and livestock grazing, typical of the broader Wheatbelt landscape which has historically seen significant clearing.

The project operates under the Reforestation by Environmental or Mallee Plantings-FullCAM methodology. This method is specifically designed for areas receiving lower rainfall (typically under 600mm annually) and involves establishing permanent plantings of native mallee eucalypt species. Unlike commercial forestry, these trees are not intended for harvest; they are planted to sequester carbon, restore local biodiversity, and provide shelter for livestock. The method requires planting at a density sufficient to achieve permanent "forest cover" status, which generally entails a crown cover of at least 20% and a height of over 2 metres.

Environmentally, the Gabalong area is classified as semi-arid with a Mediterranean climate, receiving an average annual rainfall of approximately 380mm. The terrain typically features sandplains with soil profiles consisting of sandy surfacing over clay or gravel (duplex soils), which are characteristic of the Northern Agricultural Region.

A notable aspect of this project is its association with "Wheatbelt Connect," a collaborative joint venture involving the proponent INPEX, alongside major corporate partners ANZ and Qantas. This initiative aims to work with landowners to integrate carbon farming and revegetation into existing farming operations, rather than displacing them entirely.