Thargomindah Regeneration Project

Thargomindah Regeneration Project is a Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) project located on Thargomindah Station, approximately 15km southeast of the town of Thargomindah in the Bulloo Shire of South West Queensland. It was registered in September 2023 and covers a substantial 47,003.48 hectares.

Human-Induced Regeneration projects involve establishing permanent, even-aged native forests by changing land management practices to allow native vegetation to recover. To meet the standard requirements of this methodology, the area must have been previously cleared of vegetation with regrowth suppressed by activities like livestock grazing for at least 10 years prior to commencement. The regenerating trees must also have the potential to achieve a mature forest cover (typically defined as at least 20% canopy cover and a height of 2 metres). In this specific project, native forests are assisted to regenerate from in-situ seed sources, rootstock, and lignotubers by actively managing the timing and extent of livestock grazing.

The Thargomindah region is historically known for large-scale sheep and cattle grazing operations across expansive pastoral leases. The environment is classified as semi-arid, experiencing a low average annual rainfall of approximately 278mm. The surrounding landscape typically features red earth plains, mulga soils, and sandy loams adapted to the dry, hot climate.

A notable and unique aspect of this project is its proponent, the Kullilli Bulloo River Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC, which represents the Kullilli People, the Traditional Custodians of the land. Operating within their native title area, the corporation partnered with carbon service provider Climate Friendly to implement this carbon farming initiative. This project not only facilitates large-scale ecological restoration but also provides significant co-benefits, giving the Kullilli People an avenue to gain economic empowerment, improve relationships with pastoral leaseholders, and support long-term self-determination for future generations.