Colodan sits on ancient land within the Burnett Mary Catchment area, part of the important Great Barrier Reef catchment. James Henderson is a fourth generation farmer who runs a successful breeder cattle grazing operation on land which has been under the care of the Henderson family since 1930.

Like much of Central Queensland, Colodan had been subjected to regular chemical and mechanical clearing to improve production capacity and pasture quality, but the Hendersons identified a new way forward, instigating a Human-Induced Regeneration project that would see both native vegetation and their business thrive.

By adopting new management practices the Hendersons have stopped clearing for pasture, and combined with a rotational grazing regime now manage over 2,300ha of regenerating native forest of Eucalypt and Acacia alongside their cattle.

As a result of the project, the Hendersons have reported improved water retention and reduced run off, increased land productivity and improved animal outcomes with healthier, happier cows.

The project not only provides an additional income for the business, it also provides improved ecosystem health, promotes biodiversity and improves water quality flowing to the Great Barrier Reef.