Work Experience Inspires Clifton Student
Southern Queensland Landscapes believes empowered young people are the key to our future, so we were thrilled to welcome enthusiastic year 10 student from Clifton State High School, Piper Brady, when she joined us for work experience in the Toowoomba office.
Piper told us she learnt a lot during her week with SQ Landscapes, and sat down to write a report about her time in her own words. Read it below.
My time with Southern Queensland Landscapes
by Piper Brady
Coming from my small state high school, I decided I wanted to do my work placement with a conscious and aware group of people, and I chose Southern Queensland Landscapes in Toowoomba.
I was initially drawn to the hard and honest work they do with the environment and working with people to ensure the best outcomes for everyone. Coming from a farming family and community, I understand how much love the landholders all have for the soil and the land we live on, and how important it is for everyone to try and help it thrive.
I won’t lie and say this industry is exactly what I expected. Both more like an office job and more like a scientist than I would have thought, but it certainly was important. I worked with most people in the office, and met with various people, landholders and other industry people and businesses alike.
I went out with (Principal Project Officer) Vanessa MacDonald on Monday. We drove to Millmerran to join Rebecca Kirby from Millmerran Landcare to assess the new contour banks and clean up an exhausted grazing paddock. Looking at the multi-species grazing paddock that was planted was also quite interesting. The turnips’ purpose was to break up the rocky soil, the grain was to make the vegetation more attractive to stock, and the legumes were to reintroduce nutrients into the soil.
On Tuesday, I worked with (Principal Project Officer) Alun Hoggett on the mapping software. He went into extensive detail on the different uses, requirements and makes of the maps they use here. Using the program Queensland Globe, I used the different layers to more thoroughly understand the different kinds of ecosystems in our state, and particularly, our region. Going in depth on the groundwater-dependent ecosystems of the Condamine River and surrounding floodplains, my area made a lot more sense to me.
Wednesday with (Principal Project Officer) Holly Hosie consisted of identifying brigalow, softwood scrub and Queensland grasslands. We went from Irongate reserve to a property in Mt. Tyson and did a BioCAT biodiversity assessment on an area of Queensland listed grassland. We also went to Jimbour and did another BioCAT assessment. In all, the day was very interesting to me, and I can now properly identify saltbush and cattle bush.
On Thursday, I went out with (Project Officer) Isabella Murphy to do a property assessment of a beautiful property south of Warwick, on the Granite Belt. We were meant to be assessing the new fencing around a waterway and checking the progress of a recent cool burning. However, I will admit that I was rather focussed on the beautiful wildflowers and waterfall on the property. The property itself was beautiful, a true example of the region.
On Friday with the communications ladies, (Senior Project Officer) Kellie Stewart and (Project Officer) Alyssa Glover, I spent the day writing this. I’m not very used to writing things intended for an audience more than an English teacher, but I have given it a go.
All in all, this experience has really opened my eyes, not just to the wonderful people in the conservation industry, but also to the land I very much love. I have cherished my time doing work that has actually made a difference. I’m thankful to the whole team for being so welcoming and kind, and am looking forward to hopefully meeting these guys again.
By Piper Brady, Year 10.
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
Screen Type Self Cleaning Floatation Fish Screen Screen M anufacturer KleenScreen, NZ River Catchment Balonne River
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Screen Type Self Cleaning Cylindrical Screen Screen M anufacturer AWMA River Catchment Condamine River