Kardutjaanup 2026

Kardutjaanup 2026 is an environmental planting project located at the Kardutjaanup property near Salmon Gums, approximately 100km north of Esperance in Western Australia. It was registered in June 2026 and covers 146.32 ha.

Environmental planting projects involve planting native tree and shrub species to establish permanent forest cover, typically planted at a density of at least 200 stems per ha.

The Salmon Gums area is traditionally known for broadacre agriculture, particularly wheat and sheep farming. The region experiences a semi-arid climate with low annual rainfall typically between 330mm and 375mm. Soils in the district generally range from duplex sand over clay to calcareous sandy loams and heavy red clays.

This project establishes permanent plantings of a mix of native tree and shrub species local to the area to reflect the original native vegetation community. It is part of a First Nations-led initiative driven by the Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (ETNTAC). ETNTAC purchased the degraded former cropping property, historically known as Sardi Farms, to restore the landscape and generate sustainable income through carbon farming. The name 'Kardutjaanup' is the traditional name for the nearby Peak Charles, linking the restored property to culturally significant surrounding land. The broader rejuvenation project provides on-Country employment for the Wudjari Nyungar people and is supported by the Rejuvenation Trust, as well as a $600,000 investment from the L'Oréal Groupe for the 'Healing Country Together' initiative.