NQ Dry Tropics NRM

24/06/2026

We had a blast at the Northern Beef Producers Expo!

More than 60 people stopped by our tent, including local graziers, community members, and visitors from across Australia.

There was plenty to explore, from free resources and giveaways to hands-on soil demonstrations. One crowd favourite was our fluvial processes diorama, which showed how leaky weirs can help heal gullies and how good ground cover plays an important role in preventing erosion before it starts.

We also had Justin Macor and Sarah Willis on hand to chat about the latest virtual fencing trials at Spyglass Station, which sparked plenty of interest and great conversations.

A big thank you to everyone who dropped in for a chat. We loved sharing ideas, answering questions, and talking about all things grazing, soils, and landscape repair.

Hats off to the Northern Beef Producers Expo committee for organising a fantastic event!

24/06/2026

NQ Dry Tropics is partnering with Yunbenun Land and Sea Rangers to tackle invasive plants threatening native ecosystems on Yunbenun (Magnetic Island).

Introduced species like agave (Agave sisalana) and mother-in-law's tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata) are popular ornamental plants because they're hardy and easy to grow.

They are, however, know as "sleeper w**ds" because they can spread suddenly and aggressively into bushland after remaining dormant for many years. As they form dense thickets, they crowd out native vegetation, out-compete native plants for water and nutrients, and reduce biodiversity by making it difficult for other species to establish.

Under the Fighting Invasive Species Together project, outbreaks of "sleeper w**ds" and other invasive species like lantana will be mapped, monitored, and managed through a range of treatments to improve the native vegetation condition. Yunbenun Land and Sea Rangers are consulting with Traditional Owners and the community to identify a number of sites across the island where invasive w**ds occur and are keen to take a lead in addressing these problems.

The Fighting Invasive Species Together project is funded by the Queensland Government's Natural Resource Management Expansion Program.

Land Queensland Natural Resource Management Regions Queensland NRM Regions Australia Biosecurity Queensland Magnetic Island Nature Care Association

23/06/2026

What a way to celebrate 10 years of Landholders Driving Change!

From grazing management and woody w**d control to water quality monitoring and gully remediation, our recent Landholders Driving Change (LDC) celebration event highlighted what can be achieved when landholders, scientists, technical experts, delivery partners, and communities work together toward a shared goal.

The day took participants on a journey through the Bowen-Broken-Bogie catchment, visiting Hell's Gate, Strathmore, and Two Mile. Along the way, we heard first-hand from landholders about the changes they've made on their properties, the challenges they've overcome, and the benefits they've seen from adopting new approaches to land management.

At Hell's Gate, discussions focused on grazing land management, stewardship, sustainable business practices, and the importance of making decisions that support productivity and the long-term health of the landscape. Participants also gained insights into water quality monitoring and the role it plays in measuring and improving environmental outcomes.

At Strathmore, we explored woody w**d management and the practical strategies being used to improve pasture condition and landscape function. The tour then moved to Two Mile, where everyone saw the results of erosion repair and gully remediation works designed to reduce sediment loss and improve water quality flowing to the Great Barrier Reef.

Throughout the day, one message stood out, lasting change happens when people work together. The success of Landholders Driving Change over the past decade is a testament to the commitment, innovation, and leadership of the region's landholders and the many organisations and individuals who have supported them along the way.

The day concluded with a well-earned celebration dinner, providing an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the past 10 years and the partnerships that have made them possible.

A huge thank you to the landholders who opened their gates, shared their stories and showcased their projects, and to everyone who has contributed to the success of Landholders Driving Change.

Here's to 10 years of partnership, innovation and positive change, and to building even more resilient landscapes and communities into the future.

The LDC has been made possible by being funded by the Queensland Government through the Queensland Water Quality Program, and also funded by the partnership between the Australian Government's Reef Trust and Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

22/06/2026

Restoring resilience in the Burdekin catchment

Severe flooding in 2021–22 left sections of Logan Creek heavily eroded, threatening productive grazing land, important riparian habitat, and downstream water quality.

This video takes you behind the scenes of the Logan Creek Streambank Rehabilitation Project, showcasing how landholders, Traditional Owners, engineers, contractors, and NQ Dry Tropics worked together to repair damaged creek systems and build long-term landscape resilience.

Through streambank stabilisation, revegetation, erosion control works, and cultural heritage protection, more than http://1.5km of creekline was restored, helping reduce sediment runoff and improve catchment health.

Watch the video to see the transformation and learn how targeted restoration can deliver benefits for graziers, waterways, wildlife, and the Great Barrier Reef.

Delivered by NQ Dry Tropics with assistance provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), in partnership with Verterra Ecological Engineering, Jangga Operations Pty Ltd, and Bennett Contracting and Plant Hire.

Watch now: https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0ZxdD0

This video showcases the Logan Creek Streambank Rehabilitation Proj...

21/06/2026

Siam w**d (Chromolaena odorata) is flowering heavily at the moment. It is highly invasive, toxic to livestock, and grows extremely vigorously, threatening native pastures and other vegetation.

Soon the flowers will release thousands of fluffy seeds that can remain viable in soil for years.

If you spot Siam w**d, let Biosecurity Queensland know by calling 13 25 23. If you are able, take some time remove plants, or at the very least snap flowers off before they set seed.

20/06/2026

Members of the Port of Townsville Ltd (POTL) Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group were special guests at the most recent meeting of the Burdekin Dry Tropics Traditional Owner Management Group (TOMG), held in Townsville during National Reconciliation Week.

They gave a presentation on the POTL's reconciliation journey, and shared a morning tea with TOMG members and NQ Dry Tropics staff.

This followed an event the previous week at POTL’s head office, where NQ Dry Tropics staff had been invited to present on our Reconciliation Action Plan.

These collaborations have further strengthened ties between the two organisations, and we look forward to supporting each other’s journeys towards reconciliation.

Since 2003, NQ Dry Tropics has supported and facilitated the TOMG, comprising representatives from 14 Traditional Owner groups across the region who meet regularly to share knowledge, discuss projects with staff and provide cultural direction and advice.

TOMG meetings are supported through the Australian Government’s Regional Delivery Partnerships program.

Reconciliation Australia Port of Townsville Limited Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

Main photo: Members of the TOMG pictured with Port of Townsville and NQ Dry Tropics staff. Front row, from left: Katrina Small (Port of Townsville Ltd); Sheryl Wake (Gia); Jeannie Morgansen (Warrungnu); Dorothy Savage (Birriah); Josephine Smallwood (Wangan and Jagalingou); Virginia Wyles (Wulgurukaba); Back rows, from left: Reg Kerr (Gudjala); Trinity Georgetown (Cultural Fire Project Officer); Jim Gaston (Juru); Richard Hoolihan (Chair, Gugu Badhun); Chris Poole (Senior Grazing Field Officer); Kylie Newman (Port of Townsville Ltd); Donna Turner (Manager, Strategy and Partnerships); Kirsty Passfield (Executive Assistant); Wayne Crase (Corporate Services Manager); Jaeda Lenoy (On-Country Project Officer); Ken Veness (Port of Townsville Ltd); Scott Crawford (CEO); Phil Rist (Nywaigi); Robert Henaway (Port of Townsville Ltd); Karen Vidler (Partnerships Coordinator); Matthew Paulger (Port of Townsville Ltd); Trevor Robinson (Bidjara); and Eddie Smallwood (Bindal).

19/06/2026

Technology in the paddock is a hot topic... at least for graziers in the Bowen-Collinsville area.

Glenalpine grazier Barry O'Sullivan hosted a recent workshop at his property highlighting the possible uses and benefits of the in-paddock weighing system, Optiweigh and the roll-up almost filled the very large shed in which it was held.

The workshop also reviewed the results of a quick hands-on trial on neighbouring properties and heard assessments of the technology from the graziers who trialled an Optiweigh unit for a few months each.

Barry asked NQ Dry Tropics to organise the trial because, after using the units for seven years, he wanted his peers to get an idea of the benefits.

"I get an email every morning, well before sun-up, and I can see at a glance how the herd as a group is performing," Barry said.

Data told him much more quickly and accurately than even his experienced eye as to when a mob needed to be moved to fresh pasture to continue gaining weight.

Reid Muirhead, Weetalaba Station, said in the short time they trialled the unit, he recognised the value of the data produced but because of the timing were not able to make full use of it.

He said the heifers in the paddock with the Optiweigh showed a willingness to climb into the unit (for the reward of some supplement) but usage fell away when rain was about.

His thinking was that it might benefit him by monitoring sale cattle as they approached market weight.

Mt Aberdeen grazier Jess Norman-Russell was impressed with the unit's manoeuvrability, taking it into their most remote and rugged paddock in the hills.

"It was very easy to take it up into the rough country, set it up and connect it to the website," she said.

NR Dry Tropics Climate Adaptation Coordinator Justin Macor said the trials helped to start conversations about how technology fitted into a modern grazing operation.

18/06/2026

NQ Dry Tropics staff members celebrated Indigenous culture during National Reconciliation Week by learning how to weave coconut palm fronds.

On Country Project Officer Jaeda Lenoy, a proud Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr, Birriah, Juru, Ngaro and South Sea Islander, and Maori descendant, provided the fronds and taught colleagues how to make a fish and a lightning bolt.

NQ Dry Tropics' Reconciliation Action Plan commits to raising staff members' awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture, and this workshop was the latest example of putting the plan into action.

Reconciliation Australia Koori Mail

17/06/2026

The latest edition of The Grit is out now!

From producer-led learning and paddock innovation to cultural awareness, landscape repair, and community connection, this edition highlights the people and projects making a difference across the Burdekin.

Inside you'll find stories from:
- the recent Landholders Driving Change bus trip;
- how graziers are using Optiweigh technology;
- highlights from the Heart of the Farm Ladies Luncheon;
- insights from a Cultural Awareness workshop; and
- the latest Burdekin Landscape Repair project update.

Plus project news, photos, events, and more.

👉 Read the latest edition here: https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0ZxH10

16/06/2026

Interested in future wind farm development in the Collinsville area?

Have your say on the future of the Collinsville region.

The Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) is seeking feedback on the draft Brigalow Belt North Bioregional Guidance Plan, and local landholders and community members are invited to attend a free drop-in session in Collinsville.

Opal Ridge Motel, Collinsville
Thursday 25 June
11:30am – 1:30pm

The session will include:
✔ A short overview of the draft plan.
✔ Question-and-answer opportunities.
✔ One-on-one discussions with departmental staff.
✔ Guided access to the interactive mapping tool.

The draft plan identifies important environmental values across the region and is designed to support discussions between landholders, government, and future wind farm developers. It does not create new obligations or affect existing landholder rights.

Your feedback can help shape the final plan and influence how future wind energy projects are planned and delivered in the Collinsville area.

Catering provided.

Read the draft plan via the link in comments or on the bioregional planning website. Further information is available on the bioregional planning website.

To register: https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0ZHW_0