Catastrophic fires a warning to Heal Country
A Githabul fire practitioner’s call to ‘Heal Country’ or face the consequences has been actioned by land managers near Maryvale.
Fire Lore’s Robbie Williams made the comment on the back of the 2019/20 devastating fire season which saw more than 17-million hectares burned across Australia by uncontrolled bushfires.
Land managers Morgan and Alex Harding of ‘Almor Park’ have heeded the warning after the couple’s property was threatened by bush-fire in 2019. And despite their concerns about inviting fire back onto their property, the pair have overcome their fears in favour of early prevention.
“The bushfires burnt right up to our boundary and came in from every angle. It was hair raising. If it did get into our place, it could have gone through town,” Morgan Harding said.
Ms Harding knew she needed to do something to reduce the fuel load of her 90 hectare stud farm, so she enlisted the help of Southern Queensland Landscapes, who organised Fire Lore to implement a controlled ‘cool’ burn on part of the property.
Ms Harding said the 40 hectare area was also experiencing a weed issue, but it was impossible to get machinery like slashers to the area.
“The weed control with lantana and cotton bush was a really good bonus. It saved us time and money,” Ms Harding said.
“As well as reducing the fuel load, we wanted to get rid of dominant pastures which none of the animals seem to eat, and get rid of weeds without having to use chemicals. The cool burn seemed like a better idea than a controlled burn because it doesn't kill off the good pasture seeds and improves the soil health,” she said.
“We wanted to improve the pastures and soil quality there and we knew the fire would burn a lot of the stuff that was standing dead. In the long run, it will help get the nutrients back into the soil and allow better grasses to grow,”
Cultural fire management has been used for millennia in Australia by Traditional Owners to manage fire risk and restore Country.
‘Cool’ burning involves lighting small, weak fires that create a mosaic pattern as they pass through an area of land. The fire is carefully set so it can be controlled and maintain a cool temperature, to preserve grass seeds and keep the soil healthy.
“The only good fire is the right fire,” Robbie Williams said.
“Our cultural 'Cold' burning techniques remove excess fuels that can build up over time, decreasing the potential of uncontrolled wild bushfires,” Mr Williams said.
“The Earth was created from fire, and fire is what is needed to return things to as they were. The aim is to bring back what’s meant to be here. We’re trying to bring back the proper grasses,” he said.
“Everyone is a part of caring for the land. We want to show people and help the farmers.”
Land managers interested in undertaking cool burns should get in contact with Fire Lore via their website. https://www.firelore.earth/contactus
This project is supported by Southern Queensland Landscapes through funding from the Queensland Government’s Natural Resources Investment Program.
1. What is Natural Capital? Natural capital refers to the natural resources and ecosystems, like soils, native vegetation, water, and biodiversity, that underpin productive farming and provide essential services such as clean water, healthy soils and carbon storage. For Queensland landholders, this means your land’s value now includes the environmental benefits it delivers, not just crops or livestock. While the term Natural Capital has risen to prominence with government, industry and the public in recent years, the sustainable use of our natural capital, its maintenance and improvement have been fundamental to regional NRM organisations since inception. Identifying and assessing our natural assets are foundational to the development of our regional NRM strategies and plans which guide our operations and provide us with the knowledge and expertise to play a key role in Australia’s efforts to manage and enhance our Natural Capital. 2. Why Does Natural Capital Matter in Agriculture? Australian agriculture is experiencing a shift where nature and production are seen as interconnected assets. This approach is being driven by both market demand and new government policies, with natural capital now influencing land values, investments, and farm business resilience. 3. How Can Farmers Monetise Natural Capital? Natural capital markets allow landholders to earn income by improving or protecting their land’s natural assets. The most common ways to participate include: Carbon Credits: Under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme, farmers can generate credits by adopting practices like reforestation, soil carbon improvement, or avoided clearing. These credits are regulated by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) and can be sold to the government or private buyers. Biodiversity Certificates: The new federal Nature Repair Market, established by the Nature Repair Act 2023, allows farmers to earn tradable biodiversity certificates for projects that restore or protect native ecosystems. The CER also administers this market, ensuring robust oversight and scientific credibility. Land Restoration Fund (LRF): Queensland’s LRF builds on the federal framework, offering extra incentives for projects that deliver both carbon abatement and environmental co-benefits, such as improved water quality or habitat restoration. The LRF works in tandem with the ACCU Scheme and prioritises projects that support regional sustainability. More Information: 🔗 www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/natural-capital/explained 🔗 www.cer.gov.au/schemes/australian-carbon-credit-unit-scheme 🔗 www.qld.gov.au/environment/climate/climate-change/land-restoration-fund 🔗 www.nrmrq.org.au/queensland-nature-fund-natural-capital 🔗 www.legislation.gov.au/C2023A00121/latest/text
The Board of Southern Queensland Landscapes is pleased to announce Kimberley Swords has been appointed as Chair of the Board of Directors. Kimberley began her working life as a large animal country vet, after student practical experience across Southern Queensland in Goondiwindi and Injune. Kimberley’s strong interest in natural resource management and regional communities has led her to contribute across a wide variety of industries including the public sector, where she rose to the role of Deputy Secretary in the Australian Government and led environmental approvals, heritage and marine. Her extensive leadership experience incorporates many board roles, including as a current serving member of the CS Energy board. “Following an extensive recruitment phase, where the Southern Queensland Landscapes Board were gratified to receive several high-quality applications, we are delighted to announce the subsequent overwhelming member endorsement of Kimberley as Board Chair. The appointment of a new Chair in any organisation represents an opportunity for refreshment and renewal and the Southern Queensland Landscapes Directors and staff are looking forward to working with Kimberley to deliver our Strategic Plan” said acting Southern Queensland Landscapes Chair, Louise Winten. Kimberly looks forward to engaging with stakeholders across Southern Queensland, with her first full board meeting set down for late June in Charleville. “It is an exciting and challenging time for the region, as we lean into the changing climate, different economic opportunities, and the next generation of regional leaders. I look forward to connecting and collaborating across our communities to better understand how Southern Queensland Landscapes can support sustainable environmental outcomes that materially improve the lives of people living and working in Southern Queensland,” she said. The position of Chair became vacant following the retirement of founding Chair, and long term supporter of regional natural resource management, The Honourable Bruce Scott, AM, at the end of February 2025. Bruce made a significant contribution to Southern Queensland Landscapes during his time as Chair and the Board thanks him for dedication, time, energy, and commitment to the organisation. Southern Queensland Landscapes is one of 11 Queensland-based Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisations. Spanning 314,398 square kilometres, the our footprint encompasses the Condamine catchment, Qld Murray Darling Basin and the south-west Mulga Lands. Southern Queensland Landscapes relies on evidence based information, supported by First Nations knowledge, to effectively balance productivity and environmental outcomes that support the regional communities within our landscapes.
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Southern Queensland Landscapes is seeking an experienced and influential Board Chair to lead a multi-skilled Board in managing natural resources across Southern Queensland. This is a 3-year remunerated role based in Toowoomba, QLD, with the flexibility to manage from anywhere in Southern QLD. The ideal candidate will bring: • Substantial experience leading diverse Boards • Strong relationship-building and leadership skills • Expertise in environmental and agricultural matters This role is an opportunity to shape the future of natural resource management, working closely with land managers, community leaders, and industry professionals. Are you ready to make an enduring impact? For more details and to apply, visit www.windsor-group.com.au/job/board-chair-natural-resources-peak-body or contact Mike Conroy at apply@windsor-group.com.au.
This week marked the final Board meeting for retiring Southern Queensland Landscape Chair, The Hon Bruce Scott AM. The Southern Queensland Landscapes Board hosted a function at Gip’s restaurant in Toowoomba, joined by past Directors, industry stakeholders and the Southern Queensland Landscapes Management team, where Bruce was warmly acknowledged and thanked. Bruce offered special thanks to his dear wife Joan for her support during his period of service to Southern Queensland Landscapes, in particular the warm country hospitality she has offered to many visitors to Roma. Bruce also recognised and thanked Southern Queensland Landscapes Company Secretary Pam Murphy, who has supported Bruce in his service to Southern Queensland Landscapes since the organisation’s inception.
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