Watering the Wildlife
Normality is slowly returning to the rainforest on ‘Aborlee’ after years of drought broke in December of 2019 followed by 18 months of better than average rainfall.
Killarney locals Clive & Susan Savage have lived on ‘Aborlee’ overlooking the Cambanoora Gorge for more than 15-years - during which time they have developed a strong attachment to the landscape and an acute understanding of its ebbs and flows.
Both Susan and Clive have been strong community advocates for the environment; Susan dedicating hours of her time and expertise each week to the local Bushcare Group.
And for the pair, it's been the last handful of drought years that have proven particularly taxing and heart-wrenching.
“At the height of the drought we were bringing in truck-loads of water just to keep the animals alive, with the help of funding from the Queensland Government Nature Refuge scheme” Susan Savage remembers.
“We put shade cloth over the dam to minimize water loss also thanks to help with funding; and the place was so dry we were concerned about fires that were getting closer. And there was a real absence of birds. It was eerily quiet,” Ms Savage said.
“There was just the two of us here so we managed to hold on to as much water as possible for a long time but when the dam was just a crust of mud and the rainforest was crisp underfoot we started putting basins of water out around the rainforest just to keep the animals going,” she said.
Susan and Clive also set up cameras triggered by motion to capture who and what was drinking from their basins.
“It was amazing the wildlife that came to drink from the basins and during the peak of the dry we captured almost 2,000 photos,” Ms Savage said.
See a selection of the incredible photos captured drinking from the basins by Clive and Susan on ‘Aborlee’ here.
“It was also a little heart breaking when we saw how thin some of the animals were - you see a drought impacts everyone even in a rainforest which is normally lush and green and full of life,” she said.
“We would regularly gather the cameras and look at all the photos and after a while we noticed a sequence - as if the animals would take turns to get a drink, all equally respectful of one another and giving each other space.”
“First the wallabies, then the possums, lizards, snakes, all the different types of birds, each species coming in a wave to drink and take their turn.”
But it was one picture that really surprised the pair.
“Yes, we managed to capture a red-bellied black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) taking his turn to drink while a Rufous Fantail (Rhipidura rufifrons), watched on...a little too closely for my liking too!” Susan exclaimed.
“You see they would normally be adversaries, but during the drought it was like the water basins were a safe place for everyone to drink...everyone to survive,” she said.
“We learnt a lot from the animals during this period about patience, and respect.”
Then in December of 2019 the drought broke.
“We had a lot of rain when the drought first broke; 70mm in one night,” Susan said.
“We were never so happy to hear the sound of rain on the roof. And from there we’ve had consistent and regular rain and slowly slowly we’ve seen rainforest come back to life,” she said.
With the dam now full and the rainforest bubbling with the activities and chatter of birds, Clive and Susan are returning to more normal routines.
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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