Sustainable Farming Techniques Secures Future for Next Generation

by Anna Battle


Looking to the past has enabled an Inglewood land manager to seek solutions for the future sustainability of his farm and secure its viability for the next generation.


Peter Ramsey was inspired to reinstate exclusion fencing around his 2,000 acre grazing property after he noticed the original fencing coming out to ‘Old Paisley’ in a 1927 black and white photo found in the local museum.


“My wife Julie and I live on a property here called ‘Old Paisley’ and her family have been here almost 100 years and we mainly run goats, cattle and a few sheep; and we have a 200-hectare soil carbon project,” Peter Ramsey said.


“We’ve been here two years full time, and our son Angus and his wife Emily and their daughter Zara are becoming part of the farm so they’ll be fourth and fifth generation people who have been on this property,” Mr Ramsey said.


“The things we are doing, I might not see some of them, but hopefully they’ll get the benefit of that,” he said.   


“Behind me here is the original exclusion fence and in the last five years we have replaced that fence; my brother-in-law organised to get all the local farmers together, we had a meeting and as a result of that meeting, Ross and I went ahead and did the exclusion fence and since then they’ve all jumped on board and they are all getting the benefits of the State Government’s initiative and that is to fund these exclusion fences.”


Peter Ramsey of ‘Old Paisley’ at Mosquito Creek, discusses the positive effects of their new exclusion fence with SQ Landscapes Project Delivery Officer, Sophie Parker.


The reinstatement of exclusion fencing has allowed the Ramseys to better control wild dogs predating their goat herd and minimise unrestricted grazing of native pastures by large mobs of kangaroos.


“The fence has allowed us to do what we want to do now which is goats, cattle, sheep and the carbon but to control the kangaroos and the wild dogs,” Peter Ramsey said.


“First step for us was to put the exclusion fence up and then everything else followed.  The goal going forward is to try and have the least number of livestock mobs possible so you can increase the intensity of the animals in the pasture while they are there,” Mr Ramsey said.


“We have a paddock that I did do some deep ripping and having contours helps to hold the water for a bit longer and the water has gone from leaving the paddock in two hours to about four days,” he said.


“We also have a Land for Wildlife area which Southern Queensland Landscapes set up seven years ago and we have a lot of koalas there.”

The ‘Land for Wildlife’ area at ‘Old Paisley’ was established seven years ago, and Peter Ramsey, pictured here with SQ Landscapes Project Delivery Officer, Sophie Parker, has noticed a significant increase in the numbers of koalas in the area.


Partnering with natural resource management group, Southern Queensland Landscapes (SQ Landscapes) has enabled the Ramseys to target harrisia cactus.


“So the harrisia cactus is a problem that we have in this country here in Goondiwindi and out to St George.  SQ Landscapes, with an initiative they had, we were able to purchase some chemical and we’re eradicating harrisia from here,” Peter Ramsey said.


“I think the connections in the industry are really important because there is a lot of people out there that can help us and that’s the beauty, you are not here on your own; there’s a lot of real good local knowledge with Landcare and SQ Landscapes and congratulations on doing a great job,” Mr Ramsey said.


SQ Landscapes Project Delivery Officer Sophie Parker said it’s been a pleasure working with Peter and his family and sharing the success of the sustainable practices he is implementing on his farm.


“As part of the National Landcare Program Peter had received funding from the Regional Land Partnerships Program to specifically target harrisia cactus,” Sophie Parker said.


“But, Peter has also done a range of sustainable trials off his own back and he’s always keen to have a go at anything; this is important as he is able to share his own experiences with neighbours, the local community and then the global community,” Ms Parker said.

Exclusion fencing was the first of a raft of sustainable agriculture practices employed by Peter Ramsey and his family at ‘Old Paisley’, with a view to increasing the grass cover, water holding capacity and eventually stock levels on the property.


Since reinstating the exclusion fence, tackling harrisia cactus and focussing on slowing the flow of water across his property Peter Ramsey said these improvements have translated to an uplift in income.


“Our income has gone up because we were running 50 cattle and selling the weaners and now we are running 25 cows and about 700 nannies but we are producing more kilos,” Peter Ramsey said.


“And with the soil carbon project its a win-win-win because as the soil carbon goes up it's the first time farmers are being paid for something that doesn’t leave the farm; infiltration will go up, our water holding capacity will go up and we’ll grow more grass and we will be able to hopefully run more animals, but run them so we have got more resilience,” Mr Ramsey said.



The Landcare Farming Program (LFP) is a joint partnership between the Landcare Australia and National Landcare Network, and funded by the Australian Government's National Landcare Program to strengthen the connection between landcare and Australian agriculture.

Project Update: Protecting the Brigalow Belt in Southern Queensland

28 January 2026
With our team working alongside landholders to turn planning into practical, lasting outcomes on the ground, our project, Protecting the Brigalow Belt in Southern Queensland , is well underway. This project supports landholders to protect remnant and fragmented Brigalow vegetation, while strengthening the long-term sustainability and productivity of agricultural systems across the region. By aligning conservation outcomes with grazing enterprise needs, the project recognises that healthy landscapes and productive businesses go hand in hand. Across southern Queensland, we are currently partnering with around 50 landholders to address priority challenges such as weeds and pest animals, alongside targeted property improvements that benefit both production and nature. Supported on-ground activities include both weed and pest management, fencing to improve grazing control and protect remnant vegetation, and infrastructure such as alternative watering points to better manage livestock access and reduce pressure on the Brigalow scrub. A key focus of the project is improving the condition and connectivity of Brigalow habitats, particularly along important corridors and remnant patches. These areas can provide critical habitat for nationally significant species including koalas, the Yakka Skink and the Northern Quoll. Strengthening these systems helps conserve threatened Brigalow Belt ecosystems while maintaining the shade, shelter, soil health and water retention benefits that are so valuable to grazing. We sincerely thank every landholder who is partnering with us on this project. Your stewardship, local knowledge and commitment are central to the success of this work. Collaboration between landholders, First Nations people, government and local communities remains at the heart of achieving lasting improvements for the Brigalow Belt, now and into the future. This project is funded by the Australian Government under Saving Native Species and delivered by Southern Queensland Landscapes, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners Panel.

Working Together to Protect Koalas and Riverine Woodlands at Biddenham, Augathella

15 January 2026
West of Augathella, along the winding Nive River, sits Biddenham , a family-owned cattle property run by Guy Newell and his wife Natalie. The river forms a defining feature of the property, supporting riparian landscapes and providing important habitat for native wildlife alongside productive grazing land. In early 2025, we approached Guy to explore opportunities to work together on landscape and biodiversity projects. At the time, our Western Koala Project was underway, alongside the Coolibah–Black Box and Poplar Box Project, both of which strongly aligned with the natural values present at Biddenham . With extensive areas of Coolibah–Black Box and Poplar Box Grassy Woodland threatened ecological communities (TEC's), particularly along the Nive River corridor, the property was well placed to support these initiatives. These TEC's also provide important habitat for native fauna including Koalas and Rufus Bettongs, with existing records and on-ground evidence confirming their presence in the area. As part of the project activities, we collected an environmental DNA (eDNA) water sample from a local waterhole to investigate the presence and abundance of native fauna, as well as potential pest species. An acoustic recorder was also deployed to help monitor wildlife activity across the site, providing valuable data to inform ongoing conservation and management efforts. A key focus of our support at Biddenham has been weed management, particularly targeting Mother of Millions and Tiger Pear, invasive species that can significantly impact native fauna and degrade threatened ecological communities. Through a combination of biological control and targeted herbicide treatments, we have worked alongside Guy to reduce these weed pressures and protect the health of the riparian corridor. Guy has also actively participated in pest management programs, taking part in the initial aerial pest control operation in May 2025, followed by a second program in November 2025. These efforts targeted feral pigs and feral cats, helping to reduce threats to native species and safeguard the ecological integrity of the TEC's along the river. Building strong relationships with landholders is central to Southern Queensland Landscapes’ work, and it has been a pleasure to collaborate with Guy and Natalie at Biddenham . Their willingness to engage in conservation projects while continuing productive land management demonstrates the value of partnership in achieving positive outcomes for landscapes, wildlife and rural communities. This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by Southern Queensland Landscapes, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.

Our Visit With The Bunya People’s Aboriginal Corporation

8 January 2026
Members of the Southern Queensland Landscapes team recently spent time on Bunya Country with the Bunya People’s Aboriginal Corporation, whose work involves Healing Country and strengthening Songlines through on-Country projects and partnerships. We were grateful to be welcomed onto Country to listen, yarn and learn, and to introduce the Growing Climate Smart Grazing in the Condamine River Basin project, which forms part of the national Climate Smart Agriculture Program. Spending time together on Country created space for open conversations, allowing shared priorities to emerge naturally and respectfully. These early discussions explored healthy Country, cultural burning practices and caring for landscapes in ways that honour First Nations knowledge systems that have guided land stewardship for tens of thousands of years. By walking gently alongside Traditional Custodians, these conversations are helping shape the Growing Climate Smart Grazing program so that works will: • Respect and align with First Nations land management knowledge • Support cultural aspirations and practices • Strengthen connections to Country • Build genuine partnerships We recognise that First Nations peoples are the original land managers of southern Queensland, and their knowledge, cultural obligations and connection to Country remain vital to how we care for landscapes today and into the future. Southern Queensland Landscapes sincerely thanks Bunya People’s Aboriginal Corporation for welcoming our team and sharing wisdom and perspectives that will help guide this work.

Media Release - Southern Queensland Landscapes Announces New Board Director Appointments

10 December 2025
Southern Queensland Landscapes is pleased to announce key leadership changes following its 2025 Annual General Meeting, including the appointment of Anthony Glasson as the organisation’s newest Board Director. Anthony, who operates Picarilli Merinos near Thargomindah, brings broad experience in primary production, regional leadership and natural resource management. His long-standing involvement in rural industries and commitment to sustainable land stewardship will be pivotal in supporting Southern Qld Landscapes delivery under its NRM Regional Plan, Flourishing Landscapes, Healthy Communities . Southern Qld Landscapes also confirms the reappointment of Directors, Louise Winton from Morven and Pippa Jones from Goondiwindi. Both Directors bring substantial governance experience and strong regional perspectives, and their renewed terms will continue to support their commitment to community-led outcomes. Additionally, Southern Qld Landscapes acknowledges the contribution of retiring Director Hollie Grimwade, whose service has strengthened their strategic direction and regional engagement. Board Chair, Kimberley Swords said “these appointments reflect the stability and capability of Southern Qld Landscapes governance and the organisation’s strong focus on delivering real outcomes for our communities.” In welcoming and recognising the Directors, Ms Swords said: “I am very pleased to welcome Anthony Glasson as a new Director of Southern Qld Landscapes. Anthony brings a wealth of practical knowledge from his leadership of Picarilli Merinos and a deep commitment to our region. His understanding of land stewardship and his passion for community-led change will be invaluable. I also congratulate and warmly acknowledge the reappointment of Directors Louise Winton and Pippa Jones. I also want to sincerely thank our retiring Director, Hollie Grimwade. Her commitment, professionalism and regional understanding have been significant assets throughout her tenure.” “I would also like to acknowledge our dedicated staff, who continue to deliver meaningful outcomes for landholders, partners and communities. This year, we delivered more than $9 million worth of project activity across the region, with on-ground and in community work to support sustainable agriculture and build community resilience,” said Ms Swords. Members also voted at the AGM to adopt a new modernised, constitution in line with contemporary not for profit governance expectations. Southern Qld Landscapes looks forward to working under its renewed Board leadership to advance regional priorities, continue strong partnerships, and deliver tangible benefits across the Southern Queensland region.

Media Release - Southern Queensland Landscapes to Deliver $9 Million Projects to Improve Grazing Land Along Key Waterways and Protect Koala’s in the States Southwest

7 November 2025
Southern Queensland is set to benefit from a major investment in Queensland’s natural assets, with more than $9 million allocated through the Queensland Government’s Natural Resource Management Expansion Program and delivered by Southern Queensland Landscapes. Southern Queensland Landscapes will receive $6.6 million to work with landholders to improve more than 124,000 hectares of land and vegetation adjacent to key waterways by installing fencing and watering points to better manage grazing. A further $2.5 million is allocated to the improvement of priority koala habitats and support animal movement and survival across Southern Queensland. This targeted action to remove key threats including wild dogs and invasive cactus species. Southern Queensland Landscapes CEO, Gillian Meppem said “the investment highlights the vital link between healthy landscapes, productive agriculture, resilient koala populations and thriving waterways.” “We are looking forward to delivering two key projects in partnership with landholders, through the Natural Resource Management Expansion Program. These projects are focused on protecting our waterways through improved grazing management and supporting thriving koala populations across Southern Queensland.” “Better grazing management, strategic fencing, and improved stock water infrastructure will enhance ground cover and protect waterways, ensuring our landscapes are more capable of resisting and recovering from natural disasters and the impacts of a changing climate.” “We are improving koala habitat by tackling key threats such as wild dogs and invasive cactus and supporting greater genetic diversity to ensure thriving koala populations across southern Queensland,” she said. Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development, The Honourable Dale Last, said “the funding demonstrates the Queensland Government’s strong commitment to supporting regional communities and natural resource management.” “When we came into government, we promised we would double funding for NRM organisations, and we would ensure our regional workforce would benefit, and we are delivering on that promise. “These NRM organisations are leading the way in safeguarding our natural resources, and that’s why we’re proud to support them and invest in Queensland’s future.” The NRMEP is a partnership between the Queensland Government and NRM Regions Queensland to deliver $117.84 million in on-ground land, water and biodiversity programs over the next three years.

Natural Resources Recovery Program Update

25 September 2025
We are seeing fantastic momentum across the region, with strong interest from landholders in improving land condition. Even better, clusters of neighbouring properties are getting involved, a promising sign for achieving landscape-scale change that supports water infiltration, soil health, and resilient groundcover. To help visualise this, Projects Lead Payel Sinha, developed a set of clever graphics that capture the essence of the NRRP program. The circular diagram below shows how water, soil, vegetation, grazing, and ecosystem balance are interconnected, all working together to support healthier landscapes.

The 2025 National Landcare Conference

24 September 2025
We were honoured to have CEO Gillian Meppem, Richard Turnbull, Dr Payel Sinha and Uncle Kevin, a Margany Elder from near Quilpie, come together on the Gold Coast for this year’s Landcare Conference, representing our vision, work and cultural partnerships across the region. Dr Payel Sinha delivered a presentation on the Natural Resource Recovery Program: A Holistic Approach to Restoring Landscapes , showcasing how integrative, place-based strategies can unite ecological health, cultural values and community resilience.

The 2025 Australian Cotton Research Conference: Supporting Sustainable Cotton Farming in Australia

10 September 2025
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.

Board Update July 2025

30 July 2025
A Message From Our CEO, Gillian Meppem

Monitoring to Protect Threatened Habitat in Southern Qld

29 July 2025
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.