Rocky's Back in Rockhampton
After about six months' rest, Southern Queensland Landscapes’ conservation detector dog ‘Rocky’ has hit the ground running for his first project of the season together with handler Senior Project Officer Tom Garrett.
The pair headed off for some fox detection work at a restricted military training area on Shoalwater Bay near Rockhampton with Tom saying Rocky was eager for his first day on the job; wasting no time getting started.
“He knew straight away when he was in the vehicle on the way to the job that he was heading to work. He reacts when we put his coat and GPS collar on; his nose goes down to the ground and his tail wags a million miles an hour,” Tom Garrett said.
“The only way into Shoalwater is via helicopter and although Rocky had never been in a helicopter before, he handled it like a champ,” Tom said.
“It was a first for the pilot too, because he had never had a detection dog on his chopper before either,” Tom chuckled.
Across the entire length of the Great Barrier Reef, Shoalwater Bay has the biggest roosting site for some 32,000 migratory shore birds as well as a significant population of green sea turtles.
“Rocky’s job was to identify the presence of pests including rabbits, foxes, wild dogs and cats, and assist in streamlining their eradication. His work is paramount to the protection of these migratory shore birds and green sea turtles during their breeding cycles and ultimately the biodiversity of the entire region,” Tom said.
“Our clients, the Fitzroy Basin Association (FBA) and Australian Defence Force wanted to see if foxes were impacting these birds as they were nesting,” he said.
“While Rocky didn’t find any active signs of foxes on this occasion, he did discover an abandoned fox den. The FBA will now go into the area on the back of Rocky’s sweep and search and conduct further investigations to confirm Rocky’s assessment.”
Rocky skills are particularly valuable in areas where control methods have been applied and there are few pests remaining; and where the terrain makes it difficult for pest technicians to operate alone, such as at Shoalwater Bay.
“With his work at Shoalwater complete for now, Rocky has been looking forward to the season ahead and for some time has been telling me he’s ready for work,” Tom said.
“He does some funny things if he's not working,” he shared.
“I taught him to find my keys and mobile phone so that if I lose them on a job, Rocky can help me find them. And sometimes I forget where I've put them so Rocky comes in super handy then. But every now and then if I leave my shoes or keys out, Rocky will pick them up and take them outside to hide them; showing me he’s keen to work,” he said.
SQ Landscapes’ Conservation Detector Dog Program is set to expand with Tom preparing to take charge of a new dog in the coming months.
“We’re investigating the possibility to train the new dog on honey bees and diseases on honey bees from overseas,” Tom said
“Our new dog is currently undergoing preliminary training and we’re hoping to announce his or her arrival in the coming months,” he said.
As for Rocky, it’s on to the next job!
To learn more about Tom and Rocky’s story, click here.
Rocky walking to the helicopter used to transport him and Senior Project Officer Tom Garrett around the beaches at Shoalwater Bay.
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: π www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/natural-capital/explained π www.cer.gov.au/schemes/australian-carbon-credit-unit-scheme π www.qld.gov.au/environment/climate/climate-change/land-restoration-fund π www.nrmrq.org.au/queensland-nature-fund-natural-capital π 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. ο»Ώ
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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. ο»Ώ
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