Don’t be a fire bug this winter
Jon Snow had it right - Winter is coming. The air has a new chill and your woollen socks and jumpers are calling.
For many people winter also means fire. Whether it’s a glorious indoor fireplace, an outdoor fire pit or a campfire in the bush, it’s important that you make smart, and safe, decisions to protect yourself and the environment from out-of-control fires or hitch hiking wood bugs.
Sourcing your wood:
Within the Southern Queensland Landscapes region, there is an abundance of insects living and breeding. Many insects, both native and introduced, make their homes in, or exist on, trees, debris, and the undergrowth. Some of these insects can be wood-eating and/or disease carrying.
The Common Eucalypt Longicorn
(Phoracantha semipunctata) is an example of a native insect that lays its eggs, which then become larvae, under the bark of sick or dead eucalypts. These insects are known as timber borers. Insects, like borers, as well as wood-rotting diseases, have a limited range of migration and/or spread. Dangers to the ecological balance occurs when people collect and move firewood long distances. These actions can transport insects, larvae and/or eggs, or diseases to areas they shouldn’t be and didn’t exist previously.
Even if the wood you collect looks visibly clear of holes, burrows, insects, eggs, etc., it’s impossible to check every centimetre of each piece, meaning you could accidently transport insects or disease. To prevent this spread there are a few things to consider when collecting firewood;
• Check government websites
for restrictions on moving plant material.
• When camping or collecting firewood for fireplaces or fire pits, a good rule is to collect wood from 15 kms or less from the campsite or your home.
• The environmentally safest option is to purchase clean/treated firewood from a store.
Starting your fire:
Before using your fireplace for the first time each year, make sure you give it a good clean to make sure it’s free from build-up and safe to use. If you’re unsure how to, or not confident in doing so, hire a professional for additional peace of mind.
When lighting a fire, either indoors or outdoors, remember not to use accelerants that can be difficult to control. Start a fire with a small flame, then gradually add kindling until the fire is a safe and manageable size. If your fire is outside, e.g.; a fire pit or a campfire, take into account the weather. Wind can carry embers over long distances very quickly, starting new, uncontrolled fires in other locations. Australia has endured and is still recovering from recent wild fires so it's essential not to be careless or casual with your fire.
It’s also vital you regularly check the Queensland Government’s Rural Fire Service Fire Ban and Restrictions page. Lighting a fire in an area with a local or state fire ban is illegal.
Extinguishing your fire:
There are a number of ways to put out a fire. Regardless of whether your fire is contained to a fireplace, a fire pit or a campfire, a combination approach is the best and safest way.
• Let the fire burn out;
when you stop adding kindling to the fire, there will be less and less to burn and the fire will eventually die out. However, this will take time and a fire should never be left unattended.
• Smother the fire with a lid;
this option is specific to fire pits. By removing oxygen (one of the three requirements for a fire) the flames will die down. Keep in mind however that the embers and ash will still be hot and could reignite if oxygen and a fuel source is reintroduced. This would be an issue if, for example, the fire pit is knocked over on a deck or dry grass.
• Add water or sand to the fire then mix through and spread the ashes;
this is a combination of the smothering technique - which will extinguish the flames faster than letting them burn through the kindling - and an extra safety step of also smothering then spreading the ash and embers. This method is best for campfires. It ensures that if the wind disturbs the ember/soil mix there’s less chance of active embers being blown up and restarting the fire at the primary, or a secondary location. It also reduces this risk of burns /injury to a bushwalker or animal who might inadvertently step on the campfire site.
The rapidly evolving global market for agricultural commodities, including cotton, was front and centre at the recent Australian Cotton Research Conference held in Narrabri, NSW. A key theme throughout the event was the increasing pressure climate change places on cotton production and how the industry is adapting through innovation and research. Andrew Davidson of Southern Queensland Landscapes introduced an innovative national project funded by the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC). The project focuses on mapping woody vegetation across cotton farms in Australia, a crucial step toward better understanding on-farm biodiversity and supporting sustainability goals. The project uses a cutting-edge methodology developed by Southern Queensland Landscapes, drawing on a national dataset curated by the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN). What makes this approach unique is its ability to consistently measure vegetation across state and territory lines, overcoming long-standing challenges caused by fragmented and inconsistent regional datasets. The initiative is a true collaboration between the cotton industry, Natural Resource Management (NRM) groups, and NRM Regions Australia. Together, they aim to build a national picture of woody vegetation cover, including how much of it connects to larger, regional biodiversity corridors. Why It Matters... This vegetation data will provide a scientifically robust and cost-effective indicator of potential biodiversity on cotton farms. In practical terms, it can help: • Support cotton growers in meeting environmental standards for market access • Inform risk management strategies and conversations with financiers • Align with international frameworks such as: - The Science-Based Targets for Nature - The Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework - The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) As the cotton industry looks to remain competitive and resilient in a changing climate, initiatives like this are critical. They help position Australian cotton as a globally trusted, environmentally responsible product.
A Message From Our CEO, Gillian Meppem
Project Officers Katrina Higgins and Erin Landsberg recently joined Rose and Weston from Boobook Ecological Consulting in Roma, to complete field monitoring in the Murweh and Maranoa districts. This monitoring measures the value and health of Coolibah, Poplar Box, and Brigalow habitat. During this time, we deployed acoustic recorders and motion-sensor wildlife cameras, and took DNA samples from nearby water sources to ascertain the fauna within these threatened habitats.
Playing a Leading Role in the National Soil Monitoring Program Queensland’s regional Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisations are playing a leading role in the National Soil Monitoring Program (NSMP), one of Australia’s most ambitious efforts to assess and improve soil health. Funded by the Australian Government through the Natural Heritage Trust and led by CSIRO, the NSMP will involve sampling at approximately 3,000 sites nationwide over three years, more than 850 of those in Queensland, with a focus on key agricultural zones. Queensland’s NRM groups have formed northern and southern clusters to deliver the program, contributing valuable expertise from over 25 years of on-ground experience. Southern Queensland Landscapes will lead delivery for the QLD South cluster of regions. The data collected will provide a nationally consistent picture of soil condition and health, enabling better decision-making for farmers, land managers, and policymakers to support sustainable, climate-smart agriculture. Jayne Thorpe, Business Development Manager at Southern Queensland Landscapes said, “In total, the QLD South cluster will collect 565 soil samples over the course of the project. That will work out as 11.3 tonnes of soil sent for analysis!”
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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