The Blackall Carbon and Biodiversity Project 3

The Blackall Carbon and Biodiversity Project 3 is a Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) project located approximately 55km southwest of the township of Blackall in Central West Queensland. Registered in September 2023, the project covers a substantial area of 21,190.81 hectares. The surrounding Blackall-Tambo region is historically significant for its pastoral industry, primarily utilized for sheep and cattle grazing on vast stretches of Mitchell grass downs and Acacia woodlands.

Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) projects focus on re-establishing permanent native forests on land where vegetation has been suppressed for at least 10 years, typically by grazing or mechanical clearing. Unlike environmental planting, HIR does not involve planting new trees; instead, it relies on assisted regeneration from in-situ seed sources, such as rootstock and lignotubers. To meet methodology requirements, the proponent must implement management changes, such as controlling grazing pressure and ceasing mechanical clearing, to allow the forest canopy to regenerate and reach maturity.

The project is situated in a semi-arid environment characterized by highly variable, summer-dominant rainfall. While the Blackall district is famous for its fertile, cracking clay soils (Vertosols) known as "black soil plains," the timbered country targeted for HIR projects in this region typically features red earths (Kandosols) or sandy loams that support Gidyea (Acacia cambagei) or Mulga (Acacia aneura) vegetation communities.

An interesting aspect of this project is its explicit branding as a "Carbon and Biodiversity" project, implying a strategic focus on delivering biodiversity co-benefits alongside carbon sequestration. Additionally, the project has undergone administrative changes, with the proponent role transferring from Carbon Neutral Pty Ltd to Natural Capital Platform Pty Ltd in August 2025, suggesting a corporate restructuring or rebranding effort to align with broader natural capital market trends.