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Screen Type Self Cleaning Cylindrical Screen Screen Manufacturer AWMA River Catchment Condamine River David Grace, a highly regarded farmer and horse training instructor, has been using the fish-friendly screen installed by the Fish Friendly Water Extraction Project on his Condamine River property, Coolibah. David observed countless small fish that had been sucked into the lagoon after irrigation pumping. After running the pumps through the fish screen, zero fish were drawn through the system, a significant win for fish conservation and sustainable water use. Though testing is in its early stages, the screen has already demonstrated its ability to protect native fish and prevent debris from entering the pump. Monitoring is being undertaken by Redleaf Environmental. "A real positive outcome for native fish and farming." David Grace Features of the Installed Fish Screen • Handles up to 10-12 megalitres per day, meeting the irrigation needs of the property. • Designed to withstand high-flow events, ensuring durability during dynamic river conditions. • Self-cleans using a propeller-driven system, keeping 2mm openings free of algae and silt. Why This Matters Protects native fish populations by keeping them in the river where they belong. Prevents debris from entering the pump, improving efficiency. Simplifies maintenance, even during high river levels or floods.

Screen Type Two Self Cleaning Cylindrical Screens Screen Manufacturer AWMA River Catchment Gowrie Oakey Creek Southern Queensland Landscapes recently visited Matt Finch’s property, Struanville Farming Co, to gain insights into his water extraction system, discuss the upcoming installation of a fish-friendly screen, and explore modern irrigation practices' environmental and economic benefits. Matt, a forward-thinking farmer, is committed to sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and efficient water use. His passion for protecting native fish populations while improving agricultural infrastructure makes his property an excellent case study in balancing farming with environmental responsibility. The Filter Installation Plan Two AWMA-manufactured fish screens will be fitted to Matt’s new pump station. The screens will be self-cleaning, featuring a hydraulic retrieval system that can be controlled remotely via a mobile device. A concrete headwall and protective rock structures will be installed to shield the screens from flood debris and enhance system longevity. Why This Matters? Protecting Fish Populations → Ensures native species thrive while maintaining biodiversity. Reducing Infrastructure Maintenance → Fish screens help prevent debris blockages and extend the life of pumps. Regulatory and Financial Advantages → Demonstrating environmental responsibility could support water license security and financial incentives from institutions.

Screen Type Self Cleaning Floatation Fish Screen Screen Manufacturer KleenScreen, NZ River Catchment Condamine Branch (Chinchilla Weir) Greg Bender, an entrepreneurial cotton and crop farmer from Hopeland, near Chinchilla, has been using the fish-friendly screen installed by the Fish Friendly Water Extraction Project on his property, Burradoo Plains. Greg observed countless small fish that had been sucked into the irrigation system after pumping. A self cleaning Floatation Fish Screen was installed by Warrego Water Services in 2024. Floatation is used to keep the fish screen at the surface for shallow water situations. The screen is designed to work with a third to a half sitting out of the water. It can operate in water depths as shallow as 125mm. Though testing is in its early stages, the screen has already demonstrated its ability to protect native fish and prevent debris from entering the pump. Monitoring is being undertaken by Redleaf Environmental. Features of the Installed Fish Screen Efficient Cleaning: Adjustable rotation direction clears debris effectively. Effective Water Intake: Draws water from below, keeping the screen mostly above water. Superior Backwash: Above-water backwash ensures thorough cleaning and debris removal. Built to Last: Made with durable stainless steel and thermoplastic materials. Designed in New Zealand for Australian conditions. Why This Matters Protects native fish populations by keeping them in the river where they belong. Prevents debris from entering the pump, improving efficiency. Simplifies maintenance, even during high river levels or floods.

Screen Type Self Cleaning Cylindrical Fish Screen Screen Manufacturer AWMA River Catchment Condamine River Southern Queensland Landscapes, as part of the Fish Friendly Water Extraction Project, recently installed a cylindrical fish screen on the property Nangram , part of the Wallumba Feedlot. Nangram is located on the Condamine River and is made up of nine irrigated centre pivots. As well as providing forage sorghum grazing to background cattle for the feedlot, Nangra m also grows all the silage to be used at Wallumba Feedlot. Wallumba Feedlot operations embrace the principles of ecologically sustainable land management. They recognise that a healthy, diverse and resilient landscape is essential if beef production is to remain viable in Australia. Though testing is in its early stages, the screen has already demonstrated its ability to protect native fish and prevent debris from entering the pump. Monitoring is being undertaken by Redleaf Environmental. The Filter Installation One AWMA-manufactured fish screen was fitted to the current irrigation system. The screen is self-cleaning, driven via an internal propeller that rotates as water is pumped through the suction line. Internal and external brushes ensure that the screen remains clean, and any entrained debris is returned to the river. Why This Matters? Protecting Fish Populations → Ensures native species thrive while maintaining biodiversity. Reducing Infrastructure Maintenance → Fish screens help prevent debris blockages and extend the life of pumps. Regulatory and Financial Advantages → Demonstrating environmental responsibility could support water license security and financial incentives from institutions.

Screen Type Self Cleaning Floatation Fish Screen Screen Manufacturer KleenScreen, NZ River Catchment Balonne River Hamish McIntyre is the Managing Director of McIntyre Agriculture, including the property Moolabah , a family owned farming and livestock business he runs with his wife, Mary and three sons, Stirling, Finlay and Campbell. The business comprises 143,800ha of grazing, dryland farming and irrigation country situated in the St George, Dirranbandi and Quilpie Districts. A self cleaning Floatation Fish Screen was installed at Moolabah St George by Warrego Water Services in 2023. Floatation is used to keep the fish screen at the surface for shallow water situations. The screen is designed to work with a third to a half sitting out of the water. It can operate in water depths as shallow as 125mm. Features of the Installed Fish Screen Efficient Cleaning: Adjustable rotation direction clears debris effectively. Effective Water Intake: Draws water from below, keeping the screen mostly above water. Superior Backwash: Above-water backwash ensures thorough cleaning and debris removal. Built to Last: Made with durable stainless steel and thermoplastic materials. Designed in New Zealand for Australian conditions. Why This Matters Protects native fish populations by keeping them in the river where they belong. Prevents debris from entering the pump, improving efficiency. Simplifies maintenance, even during high river levels or floods.

Screen Type Self Cleaning, Self Propelled Cylinder Fish Screen Screen Manufacturer AWMA River Catchment Dumaresq River Whyalla Beef has grown to become one of Australia’s largest, state-of-the-art feedlots. Located in Southern Queensland, Whyalla Beef produces premium grainfed cattle, two of the Group’s Wagyu brands – Wild Rivers Purebred Wagyu and Oakey Premium Wagyu – are all finished at the Whyalla Beef feedlot before moving to the Group’s processing plant-based at Oakey. A Self Cleaning, Self Propelled Cylinder Fish Screen was installed at Whyalla Feedlot, Texas by Texas Pumps and Irrigation in 2022. The screen is driven via an internal propeller that rotates as water is pumped through the suction line. There are no external power requirements necessary to operate the screen. Internal and external brushes ensure that the screen remains clean, and any entrained debris is returned to the river. The screen is suitable for flows up to 12 ML/day based on approach velocity of 0.12 m/s. Features of the Installed Fish Screen • One AWMA-manufactured fish screen was fitted to the current irrigation system. • The screen is self-cleaning, driven via an internal propeller that rotates as water is pumped through the suction line. • Internal and external brushes ensure that the screen remains clean, and any entrained debris is returned to the river. Why This Matters Protects native fish populations by keeping them in the river where they belong. Prevents debris from entering the pump, improving efficiency. Simplifies maintenance, even during high river levels or floods.

Why are landholders becoming more curious about carbon and what could it mean on farm? 

Southern Queensland Landscapes was proud to attend and present at the Maranoa and South West Indigenous Business Expo in Roma last month, an event that brings together businesses, community organisations and First Nations business leaders to share knowledge, build connections, and explore opportunities across the region. A key focus of our involvement at the Expo was reinforcing our commitment to working alongside First Nations people as a priority. Strong partnerships with Traditional Owners and Indigenous businesses are essential to achieving sustainable land management outcomes across southern Queensland. We recognise that meaningful collaboration is about building long-term relationships, supporting capability development, and ensuring First Nations voices are central to project planning and delivery. Showcasing Regional Projects Our Projects Officer, Jackson Shillingsworth, presented on a range of our project initiatives that are creating real impact across the region, with a strong emphasis on funding opportunities, partnerships and innovation. One of the highlights was the success of our Brigalow Project which focuses on reducing threats to the Brigalow Belt, one of Queensland’s most ecologically significant and endangered habitats. Through targeted land management practices and collaboration with landholders and communities, the project is helping to preserve biodiversity and improve landscape resilience. We also shared insights into the Wandhala Drone Project , a project that supports First Nations business participants to explore how drone technology can be used for land management, cultural heritage monitoring and small business ventures. Events like the Indigenous Business Expo are critical in helping organisations better understand and address barriers to engagement. We are committed to ensuring that our projects and funding opportunities are inclusive, accessible and responsive to the needs of First Nations communities and businesses. Our Commitment: Reconciliation in Action Our participation in the Expo reflects our broader commitment to reconciliation. We invite you to explore our newly launched Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which outlines the practical steps we will be taking to strengthen relationships, respect cultural knowledge and create meaningful opportunities for First Nations people. 👉 View the RAP here: www.sqlandscapes.org.au/reconciliation-action-plan We thank the organisers of the Maranoa and South West Indigenous Business Expo for the opportunity to be part of such a valuable event. We look forward to continuing to build partnerships, support innovation and work collaboratively with First Nations communities across southern Queensland.