Woodside Native Reforestation Project - Phase 8

Woodside Native Reforestation Project - Phase 8 is a large-scale environmental planting project located in the Snowy Monaro region of New South Wales, approximately 15 kilometers northeast of the town of Delegate and 30 kilometers south of Bombala. Registered in September 2024, the project encompasses a significant land area of 3,886.99 hectares. The site is situated near the Victorian border on the Monaro Tablelands, a region historically dominated by high-value sheep and cattle grazing as well as forestry operations.

The project operates under the Reforestation by Environmental or Mallee Plantings (FullCAM) methodology. This involves establishing permanent forest cover using a mix of native tree species endemic to the local area, planted at densities sufficient to achieve canopy cover (typically over 200 stems per hectare). The planting design specifically targets land that has been used for agricultural purposes, such as grazing, for at least five years prior to the project's commencement.

Environmentally, the Delegate and Bombala region is characterized by a cool temperate climate with reliable annual rainfall, generally ranging between 600mm and 800mm, which supports robust tree growth. The soils in this part of the Monaro are variable but often feature fertile basalt-derived clays (Dermosols) or granite-based sandy loams (Chromosols), known locally for supporting both native grasslands and woodlands.

This project is part of a broader portfolio developed by Woodside Energy Carbon (Services) Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of the major oil and gas producer Woodside Energy. The company has acquired significant aggregation of grazing properties in New South Wales and Western Australia to offset its corporate emissions. Public reports indicate Woodside’s strategy includes planting five to ten species propagated from seeds collected onsite or nearby to ensure biodiversity and resilience.