NSW

For Christine Ferguson, the landholder of Myrnong near Bourke in New South Wales, the biggest benefit of running a carbon project has been income diversification. The additional revenue created by the project allows for more flexibility, reducing reliance on stock and even enabling her to remove stock when needed during dry spells.

Partnering with GreenCollar in 2015, the Leigo family began a carbon project focused on carefully managing domestic livestock to reduce total grazing pressure and enable previously suppressed native vegetation to regenerate. According to the Leigos, “Carbon farming under the Human Induced Regeneration model has transformed the way our business operates for the better. The grazing management required for our carbon project supports our livestock grazing business. It’s not a case of either carbon or livestock – they work hand in hand.”

As established farmers in the Western Division on NSW, Terry and Denise Dunne say that carbon farming has been a fantastic boost for the region, only wishing that it had come in earlier.

Glenrose lies east of Cobar in Western New South Wales. Back in 2008, Geoff and Julie Cowen got a permit to clear the property for grazing, but when they got to work, they found themselves stuck in an endless cycle of vegetation clearing and regrowth which was increasingly hard to manage. And despite the clearing for pasture, they were still having to bring in feed. “It just wasn’t a viable living,” says Geoff.

For Barry Archer, implementing a carbon project has had a significant impact on the local environment – for the benefit of both the land and his business. Barry’s partnership with GreenCollar has not only made him more aware of how to protect his property, it has also helped him achieve and maintain a balance between productive agriculture and stewardship of native vegetation.

When asked about their carbon project, Andrew and Megan Mosely are quick to point out that it’s been so much more than just a carbon project. For their Cobar-based grazing business, it’s been a complete game changer.

Everdale lies west south west of Cobar, NSW, in the Cobar Shire. The property is Site #8 in the Darling River Conservation Initiative and is approximately 14,601 hectares in size.

Kulwin rests among the red soils and undulating ridges of the Cobar Peneplain in NSW. It’s been run as a sheep grazing enterprise by Jenni and Bernard Rogers since 2003, but an influx of feral goats and rogue stock from surrounding areas was playing havoc with the land, leading to soil erosion, gully damage, and the destruction of precious native habitat.

Darling River Eco Corridor #36 is situated in Paroo River overflow country and adjoining the Ramsar listed Nocoleche Nature Reserve in north-western New South Wales. As the last free-flowing river in the Murray Darling Basin, the Paroo is home to rare fauna and flora, including water birds and Yapunyah trees.