Sunset Valley NFMR Project

Sunset Valley NFMR Project is a Native Forest from Managed Regrowth project located approximately 20 kilometers west of the rural town of Bollon in southern Queensland. Registered on March 18, 2024, the project covers a designated area of 5,350 hectares within the Balonne Shire. The wider region is traditionally a pastoral hub, heavily utilized for sheep and cattle grazing, and is known for its flat to gently undulating topography typical of the Mulga Lands and Balonne River catchment.

The project operates under the Native Forest from Managed Regrowth (NFMR) methodology. This method is designed for land that has previously undergone comprehensive clearing for pastoral use. The core activity involves assisting the regeneration of native forests from in-situ seed sources, such as rootstock and lignotubers, by ceasing mechanical or chemical clearing and managing livestock grazing pressure. By allowing the vegetation to regrow without suppression, the project generates carbon credits based on the carbon sequestered in the returning forest biomass.

Environmentally, the Bollon region is classified as semi-arid, characterized by hot summers and variable rainfall that generally averages between 400mm and 500mm annually. The soils in this area typically consist of a mix of red earths (Kandosols) on the ridges and plains, often associated with Mulga vegetation, and cracking clays (Vertosols) in lower-lying alluvial areas. The project proponent, Pastoral Partners Australia, acquired the property as part of a larger aggregation that includes the neighboring 'Weonia' station. Backed by New Zealand infrastructure investor Morrison & Co, the proponent aims to manage the land for both carbon sequestration and sustainable grazing.