International Soil Scientist Inspires Land Managers to Create Functioning Soils
More than 150 land managers gathered at Highfields Cultural Centre when Southern Queensland Landscapes hosted internationally renowned soil scientist Dr Christine Jones.
Dr Jones presented to the sold-out event on how to Create Functioning Soils and explained why it is so important to your entire enterprise and landscape.
Ticket holders attended from hundreds of kilometres around Toowoomba; with many ardent followers making the journey to listen to her speak again. Justin & Lorroi Kirkby from Gravesend, NSW, said they had seen Dr Jones six times now and each time they take away something new from her presentation.
Key takeaways included:
- Biodiversity is important for all life
- Multi-species from mixed plant families work better to improve soil condition and carbon retention
- Soil processes are linked to the health of the landscapes and to the people who consume food from the landscapes
- A simplified system is a dysfunctional system
Stay tuned to our September Newsletter when we bring you video highlights from the event, together with key points from Dr Christine Jones and the event panel experts Martin Williams, Sarah Fea, Alex Nixon, Ian Moss and David Lange.
Header image by Lucy Cooper.
Event attendees Libby Gardiner (Toowoomba) and Vicki Mayne (Burncluith, near Chinchilla).
Event attendees Shane Mayne (Burncluith, near Chinchilla) and Bruce Alchin (Cambooya).
Event attendees Peter Grayson (Emu Vale), Andres Spragge (Tannymorel, near Killarney) and Alan Davidson (Tannymorel, near Killarney).
Event attendees Kathy O'Connell (Rathdowney) and Bryant Ussher (Kin Kin).
Event attendees Adam Gould (Southbrook) and Matthew Baldwin (Harlaxton).
Event attendees Marcia Smith (Whorl Ag, Pittsworth), Phil Thompson (Pittsworth) and Matt Clark (Millmerran).
Event attendees David Curtis (Milmerran), Chris Skillington (Clifton) and Ted Callanan (Nobby).
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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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The Condamine Headwaters, a critical ecosystem in Southern Queensland, has long faced threats from sedimentation, habitat degradation, and thermal regime changes. The Blackfish Project, dedicated to reversing these impacts, unites scientists, landowners, and the community in a shared mission to restore and protect this vital environment. At its core lies the river blackfish, a sensitive indicator of the overall ecosystem health. Central to the project's success is the unwavering commitment of landowners like Paul Graham. Inspired by the project's vision, Paul reached out to SQ Landscapes seeking support for a solar pump and tank to divert his cattle away from waterways on his property. Paul's deep-rooted love for his land, captured in his humorous quip "I love my land more than I love my wife," is a testament to the powerful connection between people and place that drives conservation efforts.
The Board of Southern Queensland Landscapes recently met in Toowoomba. In addition to the Board meeting, Board and Executive worked through updating SQ Landscapes’ strategy. Company Secretary Pam Murphy highlighted the importance of the latest Board meeting and what it means for the company’s future. “The updated strategy will help SQ Landscapes deliver sustainable natural resource management (NRM) outcomes that improve the lives of people in regional communities now and for the future,” Pam Murphy said. “We’re excited to continue delivering value for our region and build Flourishing Landscapes and Healthy Communities across Southern Queensland under the guidance of the Board,” Mrs Murphy said.