What you need to know about National Threatened Species Day
Do you know what a Thylacine is? Its common name is the Tasmanian tiger (pictured above), and the last one in existence died on this day in 1936. 
60 years later, Threatened Species Day was marked for the first time on 7 September with its significance growing every year. 

The death of this magnificent creature, and subsequent extinction of its species serves as a stark reminder that the day may very well come when you’re trying to explain an animal you once loved to your kids, and will be faced with adding that they will never be able to see them for themselves.   

Day to day, it can be difficult for people to understand why they should care about threatened species. One of the best ways to think about the situation is with wildlife species as bricks in the house of the natural world. You can eliminate a few bricks and the house will probably remain standing – although it will be weaker. But once you start knocking out brick after brick, eventually whole walls will collapse and the house along with it. 

We humans live in that house too. So it’s important to care for its existence and reinforce its strength.  

National Threatened Species Day is especially pertinent to Australians in 2020 with the 2019 bushfires wiping out an estimated 480 million native animals – many of which were already endangered or threatened, compounded by the ongoing drought and increasing pressure from invasive species. 

In the SQ Landscapes region, more than 155 recorded species of mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians and insects are classified as threatened. 

So, Threatened Species Day, what to do? Here are our recommendations.

GET OUT AND ABOUT

With all that’s going on with COVID-19, now is the ideal time to be exploring the national parks in your area that have been on your list forever and not got around to seeing yet.


Top of that list should be to visit Currawinya National Park, located in Hungerford Queensland. It’s a freak of nature in the best way, a wetland in the middle of the arid south west. It has one freshwater and one saltwater lake forming part of the Currawinya Ramsar Wetlands where shorebirds migrate to nest every year in vast numbers. We are proud to be involved in protecting Currawinya through our Environment Project under the National Landcare Program.  


Also worth noting is that Currawinya is famously a key habitat for the national treasure that is the bilby. 

Image: Save the Bilby Fund

Spotlight on the Bilby


Now endangered, bilbies are a key species affected by Australia's mammalian extinction crisis. There are only around 700 of these guys left, a huge decrease when you consider they used to inhabit 70% of Australia's landmass. Feral predation and habitat loss are the culprits behind the decline of this Aussie icon, a common scenario for many threatened species. 
 

Despite this, there's been some exciting progress for bilby recovery in the last few years. At Currawinya National Park, bilbies now live in a cat-free enclosure thanks to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Save the Bilby Fund. The protected population are fenced off to ensure the individuals have a chance to live and successfully breed, which they have managed well since the first release in April 2019.


Outside the fence, ongoing feral animal control programs also assist in protecting bilbies into the future. Programs such as these are coordinated by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Save the Bilby Fund and us - SQ Landscapes. 


INCREASE YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Threatened species don’t just live in national parks though. Sadly, this means the environments where they live often don’t have the same protections. The Brigalow Belt is one such environment.


With its vast, open forests and woodlands, the Brigalow Belt is home to many rare and threatened flora and fauna species. This is another key site for our project work with the National Landcare Program, where we are working to preserve brigalow remnants that date back to prehistoric times for threatened animals like the regent honey eater. 


Spotlight on the regent honey eater


The regent honeyeater is a striking bird to behold, with flashes of black and yellow delighting twitchers and unsuspecting bushwalkers in Australia's south east alike. Sadly, spotting these stunning birds has become more difficult than ever, having been described as "one step from extinction". 


Because of their critically endangered status, regent honeyeaters are one of 20 birds that the Australian Government has prioritised resource allocation to support the species recovery effort. 
 

The Regent Honeyeater is found in eucalypt forests and woodlands, particularly in blossoming trees and mistletoe, but widespread clearance of their habitat has seen their numbers decline and their range shrink, while encouraging more aggressive species of honeyeaters, such as noisy miners, to thrive. 


These feathered gems are a 'poster bird' for threatened species, and are strongly associated with their remaining home on the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range, where our work is taking place.


Image: Australian Geographic

Although it seems obvious, where habitats become rare and endangered, so do their residents. One such habitat is the grasslands of the Darling Downs and one such resident is the grassland earless dragon.


Once one of the most common vegetation types across our region, the grasslands are now approximately one percent of their former area due to overgrazing, weed infestation and feral animals. For the flora and fauna that live in these treeless grasslands, the reduction in habitat size has been devastating. 


Spotlight on the grassland earless dragon


Given the status of their home, it’s unsurprising that these tiny ground-dwelling dragon lizards were upgraded from threatened to endangered earlier this year. 

Although their name suggests they are earless, they do have ears, but they lack an external ear opening and their ear drums are covered by scaly skin. Found in the cracking black soils and grass tussocks of the Darling Downs, organisations like ours are working hard across priority areas in the region to assist land managers with maintaining the grassland remnant habitats of this species, with an investment from the National Landcare Program. 


If you’re not familiar with these habitats or want to learn more about the plants and animals which exist in these environments, it’s important that you do your research and boost your knowledge through the channels available to you.


If you decide to visit a national park, visit their website before you go so you know what animals to look out for, as well as visitor guidelines re: hours, accommodation, safety and conduct.  Official social media channels are great places to get up-to-date information on when certain animals have been spotted, what new studies are being conducted, and ways to be involved in helping our threatened species.

Image: Robert Ashdown

...and finally

BAKE!

The Threatened Species Bake Off is an invitation to Australians to bake a dessert in the shape of a threatened species to commemorate Threatened Species Day.


Hosted by the Threatened Species Commissioner, this is the perfect event to put your quarantine baking skills to good use. Butterfly cakes decorated like real butterflies? Honey jumbles in the shape of honey eaters? Let your imagination run wild.


The focus for 2020 is ‘What’s in your backyard?’, highlighting the fact that nearly one third of Australia’s threatened species are found in urban areas.


You can take part by uploading an image of your baked goods to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram by using the hashtag #TSBakeOff and tag the Threatened Species Commissioner, alternatively send an image of your baked goods or a link to your iNaturalist records to tsbakeoff@environment.gov.au.

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.