First INFM project gets the green light

The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) has registered the first project under the new Improved Native Forest Management method (INFM) in the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme.

The North East RFA Improved Native Forest Management Project, run by the New South Wales Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, covers approximately 531,677 hectares of public native forests in the North East Regional Forest Agreement region of New South Wales, including 117,275 hectares designated as carbon protection areas.

The INFM method allows eligible state and territory governments, or approved proponents, to generate Australian carbon credit units (ACCUs) by stopping timber harvesting in carbon protection areas to reduce the overall level of harvesting in the broader project area. This results in increased carbon storage in trees and avoids emissions associated with timber harvesting operations.

The project has been approved on the condition that consent is obtained from all persons holding an eligible interest on land within the project area before the end of the project’s first reporting period, which has a maximum duration of 5 years. ACCUs cannot be issued until this condition has been satisfied.

The New South Wales Government has said that declaration of the project is a prerequisite for reserving the land as the Great Koala National Park.

As part of our standard registration process, the CER has undertaken a rigorous assessment of the application to ensure the project meets all the legislative requirements under the ACCU Scheme.

CER Chair, Tony Chappel, says this project is an important milestone for the ACCU Scheme.

‘This project is protecting native forests and important habitats and shows how the carbon market is supporting Australia’s climate and environmental goals.

‘The CER’s role is to administer the ACCU Scheme with integrity ensuring projects meet rigorous requirements.

'The ACCU Scheme is helping contribute to a sustainable, safe climate and healthy environment for future generations.’

The Australian Government made the INFM method determination on 25 June 2026.

More information about the project will be added to the ACCU Scheme project register by mid-November.