Charters Towers workshop focuses on landscape regeneration

More than 30 graziers and growers attended a two-day workshop at Wambiana Station near Charters Towers last week that focused on regenerating and restoring production landscapes.

Renowned agrarian expert Darren Doherty of Regrarians Ltd. ran the workshop, which addressed key issues such as the importance of long-term planning, taking advantage of technology, and production diversification. Some of the workshop highlights included a drone demonstration and a farm walk on the property.

The event was organised by NQ Dry Tropics, and supported through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.

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Lyn Coombe and Garlone Moulin

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Alastair, Bridie, Judy & Hannah Costello

Using examples of successful grazing and growing properties worldwide, Darren explained how the Regrarians Platform, based on PA Yeoman’s Keyline Scale of Permanence, incorporates social and economic considerations to make it a truly holistic approach to land management.

“Question your operation and your role in it,” Darren said. “That’s the main takeaway.

“We want people to be able to ask the right questions about what they want out of their life on their farms – how they want their landscape to perform, not just financially but also ecologically and for future generations of their family.

“Climate and labour are major issues in the North, so graziers need to be open to new and innovative strategies to grow”, he said.

Aside from grazing, Wambiana owners Michael and Michelle Lyons also offer rural experiences for student groups and lease paddocks for agricultural research – demonstrating the possibilities for diversification.

NQ Dry Tropics Regional Landcare Facilitator Peter Arthofer said workshops such as these are a great way to support graziers and growers, helping them to build networks and learn from each other.

“NQ Dry Tropics supports growers and graziers to implement a range of practices, such as weed management, and erosion control,” he said.

Participants provided some great feedback on the event:

“Today has been great food for thought,” said grazier Campbell Costello.  “It was good to expose the old generation to new things, and show that those new things can be successful.”

“The new generation of grazing is evolving”, he said.

For information on Regrarians Ltd. visit http://www.regrarians.org/.