Woodside Native Reforestation Project - Phase 8

Woodside Native Reforestation Project - Phase 8 is a permanent mixed-species environmental planting project located in the Snowy Monaro region of New South Wales, approximately 15 kilometres northeast of the town of Delegate and 30 kilometres south of Bombala. It was registered on September 4, 2024, and currently covers an area of 492.36 hectares. While the project initially encompassed a significantly larger land footprint, a variation submitted on September 21, 2026, resulted in several areas being formally removed from the project.

The project operates under the Reforestation by Environmental or Mallee Plantings (FullCAM) methodology. Environmental planting projects of this type involve establishing permanent forest cover using a mix of native tree species endemic to the local area. These trees are planted at densities sufficient to achieve full canopy cover, which typically requires a stocking density of at least 200 stems per hectare.

Situated near the Victorian border on the Monaro Tablelands, the surrounding region is historically dominated by high-value sheep and cattle grazing, as well as commercial forestry operations. The project targets land that was predominantly used for these agricultural purposes for at least five years prior to commencement. Environmentally, the Delegate and Bombala region experiences a cool temperate climate with reliable annual rainfall typically ranging between 600mm and 800mm. Soils in the area are variable but often feature fertile basalt-derived clays (Dermosols) or granite-based sandy loams (Chromosols), which are known for supporting robust native woodland growth.

This project forms part of a broader carbon aggregation portfolio developed by the proponent, Woodside Energy Carbon (Services) Pty Ltd, to help offset the company's corporate emissions. To ensure biodiversity and long-term resilience across the planting areas, Woodside's strategy includes planting between five and ten different native species propagated from seeds collected either onsite or in the immediate local vicinity.