Blog Articles

Our Research Strategy program’s PhD candidate Joshua Lee received an award from the Ecological Society of Australia’s 2024 conference in Melbourne last week. Joshua received the society’s Fundamental Ecology Award for his research to assess biodiversity more effectively on conservation agreements. In receiving his award, Joshua presented his research to conference attendees saying efficient monitoring is essential to the private land conservation goals to protect and enhance biodiversity. “Traditional methods often focus on species counts, which, while valuable, can miss the ecological nuances that drive ecosystem function and resilience,” the Western Sydney ...
Super excited to share this last achievement for the year! Over the last few months, I have been working with Charles Sturt University on gaining permission for the Central Tablelands Regional Landcare Network (CTRLN) to be able to share the Save the Bush Toolkit on our website as a resource for all our local landcare groups. Last week we received the letter signed by the Deputy Vice Chancellor that our request was approved! The Save the Bush Toolkit , was originally developed by Dr. David Goldney and Sue Wakefield in 1997. Dr. David Goldney, was a respected environmental scientist and passionate advocate for landholder-driven conservation. He dedicated his ...
New round of successful pasture assessment program available for the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales Farmers across the Northern Tablelands are now better prepared for future dry spells, thanks to the completion of the Drought Resilient Pasture Landscapes (DRPL) project that has been led by the University of New England (UNE) since the end of 2022. Over the course of the Future Drought Fund project, UNE, Southern New England Landcare (SNEL) and GLENRAC Inc have worked with farmers through an on-farm coaching program that has better equipped them to navigate climate variability and drought conditions. One of the biggest keys to ...
The NSW Government has released a Drought, Fire and Recovery Guide . The recovery guide is split into relevant chapters to help producers navigate the complexities of recovering from extreme weather events and includes a section on financial management and personal recovery . The financial management section links to tools and support for farm business finances , referencing Australian Government support. The Drought, Fire and Flood Recovery Guide is a sister guide to the Managing Drought, Fire and Flood Guide with the former focusing on recovery and the latter on preparedness and response. Feel free to share this information with any interested ...
As the Regional Landcare Coordinator for the Central Tablelands, this year it was my role to I had the privilege of organise and lead our 2024 Central Tablelands Regional Landcare Network Muster—a pivotal gathering aimed at uniting our network, aligning our priorities, and planning for a resilient future. The two-day workshop, held at Reflections Wyangala Waters - Holiday Park, brought together 18 dedicated members from the Central Tablelands Regional Landcare Network along with two staff members from Local Land Services. Facilitated by Kim Boswell from The Forever Agenda and Peter Pigott, State Community of Practice Manager with Landcare NSW, the event provided ...
Would you like a better idea of how much pasture you will have on farm over the next six months, its quality, and how that will impact livestock performance? Ag360.com.au , developed at the University of New England (UNE), has been providing important insights to livestock producers since 2020, utilising a customised local climate forecast, individual property management records and scientifically validated soil moisture, pasture growth and animal performance models. Ag360 is offered free via the UNE-hosted Armidale Node of the SQNNSW Innovation Hub. Armidale Node Manager Lu Hogan said by combining the scientifically validated sources and models ...
Are you a steward of your land? We value your voice! Just 10 minutes of your time can contribute to vital research and improve how we communicate private land conservation. Plus, as a token of our appreciation, you’ll have a chance to win one of five $200 gift vouchers! Start making a difference today. Please click the link 👉 [ Survey Link ] or scan the QR code to participate. This research is conducted by the team at the University of Queensland and has received ethics approval (Approval Number: [ 2024/HE000965 ]). The primary goal of this project is to investigate how best to communicate about private land ...
Last week, we spent three amazing days at North Head in Sydney, overlooking what must be the world’s most beautiful harbour. It was an inspiring gathering, bringing together not only our wonderful local Landcare coordinators but also five of our dedicated volunteers who sit on both our local and regional committees. There’s often a misconception that committee members are paid, but in reality, they are incredible volunteers who generously contribute their time and energy to support the behind-the-scenes work of Landcare. Our volunteer committees guide the efforts of our coordinators, offering ideas and direction that are then brought to life through workshops, ...
A lot of land managers are always trying to work out what works best for their place. Most are always striving for something even better than before. More biodiversity. More wind protection. Better drought tolerance. More carbon in their soil. More resilience, from the paddock between the ears to the toughest paddock on the farm. At Fat Pig Farm we've been asking ourselves these same questions, and have put together a panel of wonderful national and international speakers to talk over 2 days in December, the 4th and 5th. Everything from biochar to succession, from mental health to how the soil microbiome affects not only our microbiome, but also the nutrient ...
As a partner in the Biosecurity Collective, alongside Animal Health Australia (AHA), Invasive Species Council (ISC), and Plant Health Australia (PHA), the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions is excited to co-host the 3rd Australasian Biosecurity Symposium next week! The event will bring to life this shared initiative to influence the direction of Australia’s biosecurity system towards 2030, particularly in engaging all Australians in building a stronger biosecurity system and a mass biosecurity movement. The Centre's Chief Executive, Andreas Glanznig, will present on the WeedScan app: Australia’s first computer vision weed identification and ...
If you’re attending the 23 rd Australasian Weeds Conference in Brisbane next week, please stop by stand 6 where the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions will be showcasing the WeedScan app . Conference delegates will also hear from the Centre’s Chief Executive, Andreas Glanznig, as he presents on WeedScan: Australia’s first computer vision weed ID and communications system. Launched in December 2023, WeedScan is a free, easy-to-use digital tool that equips users to identify, report, map and manage priority weeds. It’s the result of years of research and development, involving botanists, agronomists, computer scientists and community groups. ...
Announcement! We’ve been lucky enough to secure funding to run exciting events over the coming months. These events are proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Local Small Commitments Allocation Program (LSCA). We are also supported by the Hunter Region Landcare Network Stay tuned for more info on dates and registration. #NSW #YouthEngagement #Event #IntrepidLandcare #communitygrants #UrbanLandcare #FirstNationsKnowledge #FirstNationsCulture
A deep dive into the history of the MCG. The year is 2016 and I’m looking through the window of the expansive lounge above the hallowed grounds of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG or G). I’m feeling a bit awe-struck because like many Australians I associate the MCG with big events: the 1956 Olympics, the VFL/AFL grand final and extravaganza concerts like Guns N’ Roses, Ed Sheeran and recently Taylor Swift. The crusader Billy Graham attracted the biggest crowd of 130,000 in 1959. Graham’s sermon to his many devotees segues to my view that the MCG is considered a ‘spiritual place,’ indeed a ‘sacred place’ by many Australians. This is the product of human ...
Landcare Australia through its Landcare Ag program is proud to support these important events about natural capital accounting🌿 This workshop will help industry stakeholders and landholders better understand how environmental accounting practices can help improve monitoring of the condition of their natural capital and how Certified Environmental Accounts can be utilised to enhance the credibility of sustainability reporting. 📍Check out the event dates and registration links below: 📅Monday 22nd July: Geraldton: https://www.regenwa.com/events/natural-capital-accounting-workshop-geraldton/ 🗓️Weds ...
Are you an innovator with research, IP or have a revolutionary new idea to increase drought-resilience in Australian agriculture? Then apply now to be part of the Drought Venture Studio. Successful innovators will receive hands-on commercialisation support and the opportunity to be one of 8 startups matched with an experienced Co-Founder for commercialisation and launch of a drought resilience product or service. Providing an opportunity to test ideas, partner with experts and meet future customers and investors, this initiative is delivered by Beanstalk Agtech and supported by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund ...
Are you in Tasmania, and have a good camera trap image to show off? The Tasmanian Land Conservancy, as part of their WildTracker citizen science camera trapping program are showcasing the funniest, most intriguing, and beautiful images collected by WildTracker citizen scientists. Submit your favourite photos to one of the four themes: - T hreatened species - Comedy - Behaviour - Firsts. The best of the bunch will be displayed at our WildTracker Exhibition in Launceston and Hobart (details below), as part of National Science Week 2024 . Prizes will go to the winner of each theme and the People's Choice ...
🌾 Be Part of the Science! 🐑 Join an exciting new research project led by Dr. Gordon Refshauge from NSW DPI, Cowra. We're exploring how forage crops can be used for lambing paddocks and their impact on lamb survival rates. Previous research shows that shelter can significantly improve twin lamb survival, but adoption of shelter belts is low. Our solution? Creating shelter using multispecies, dual-purpose, or forage crops that offer high-quality nutrition and reduce wind speed. We need your help! To understand how lambing on forage crops can improve twin lamb survival, we need to compare results with the ...
I am thrilled to share the incredible journey we've embarked on with the Great Australian Wildlife Search! In a vibrant fusion of community spirit and cutting-edge science, our Central Tablelands Regional Landcare Network, in partnership with the Odonata Foundation, has taken on this exhilarating expedition. Thanks to the generous support of the Murray–Darling Basin Authority, our teams are exploring the waterways of 18 diverse sites using environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring. Every creature, from the majestic Murray cod to the humble eastern mosquitofish, leaving behind tiny bits of themselves like a biological breadcrumb trail. These traces, found in things ...
Students from Hay War Memorial High School marked Reconciliation Week on Country this year, visiting Riverina property Gayini Nimmie-Caira to learn about cultural land management and conservation. Environmental educators from the Petaurus Education Group worked alongside land managers Sam and Jamie Woods to teach the students about the conservation and cultural value of the landscape at Gayini. As the largest privately owned area permanently protected under a conservation agreement with the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust, Gayini is often referred to as the Kakadu of the South, in reference to the millions of water birds it supports. ...
Enhancing Habitats in Grazing Lands to Save the Endangered Greater Glider Project Highlights - November 2023 Saving the Greater Glider: Boosting Conservation in Grazing Lands In November 2023, we wrapped up habitat enhancement activities for the "Saving the Greater Glider" project, a community-driven effort focused on habitat protection and restoration to support the recovery of the endangered Greater Glider, especially in the Upper Burnett region. This project highlights how sustainable food production and environmental conservation can go hand in hand. Enhancing Habitat and Educating Landholders Our main goal was to improve the presence, ...