The Bugle - 03 October 2008
In news this week
Regional NRM group stories- Barcelona beckons for Redbank scientist
- Anglers line up in St George to bust carp
- High salt in Hervey Bay
- Reporting achievements in sustainable agriculture and Landcare
- Queensland's native fish being conserved in Burdekin waterways
- Skyrocketing fertiliser costs forces change in farming practices
- Torres Strait sponge farm approved
- Ambitious targets set for environmental program
- Queensland's Indigenous cultural heritage Acts under review
- Final social impact drought report received
- Independent review for Queensland fishery
- $20 million extra to improve water information
- Coral reef fin fishing closure
- Keeping Place helps preserve heritage
- QCC Business Sustainability Breakfast Forum: the future of transport fuels
- Make a splash this National Water Week
- QCC's Grow Local campaign launch booked out
- New book has key to mixed farming
- Queensland Landcare Conference over for another year...
- Three weeks to go until Veg Futures 08
- AgForward workshop update
- Get a job in NRM!
Regional NRM group stories
Barcelona beckons for Redbank scientist
An environmental scientist from Redbank Plains is off to Barcelona in early October to present to the World Conservation Congress.
SEQ Catchment's Simone Maynard, a PhD candidate at the University of the Sunshine Coast, coordinates the development and application of an ecosystems framework in South East Queensland (also the subject of her thesis).
Ecosystem services are the benefits people obtain from ecosystems, such as maintaining a habitable climate, the purification of water, provision of recreational areas, scenic amenities and natural pollination for agricultural crops.
Ms Maynard said, "The growing population in SEQ is placing increasing pressures on our ecosystems. We need to protect and preserve our ecosystems; they provide important life-support functions for all species on the planet."
"Failing to understand or adequately value the significance of ecosystem services to the community and its economy can result in serious adverse impacts on the livability and sustainability of a region"
The development of the framework has been a collaboration between government, industry, researchers and landholders.
The World Conservation Congress, being held from 5-14 October, aims to address the world's most pressing sustainable development challenges. Held every four years, the Congress also aims to improve how we manage our natural environment for human, social and economic development.
Anglers line up in St George to bust carp
More than 300 anglers lined up on 20-21 September for the annual St George Carp Buster Competition, removing 216 European Carp from the Balonne River.
After nearly four months since the last Carp Buster event in Mungindi, St George was the fifth community to host the event as part of a region-wide series, coordinated by the Queensland Murray-Darling Committee (QMDC) and organised by fishing clubs from Surat, Thallon, Goondiwindi, Mungindi, St George, and Dirranbandi.
QMDC's Lavinnia Fiedler said, "Carp have become such a problem, their numbers are increasing and the degradation they cause is being compounded by drought, run-off, and water and land management practices."
The final Carp Buster event will be held in Dirranbandi on 18-19 October. For more information, please contact QMDC's Maranoa-Balonne office in Roma on 4622 8446, or Jack Taylor from the Dirranbandi Fishing Club on 0428 989 728.
High salt in Hervey Bay
A two-year, University of Southern Queensland study into salinity and temperature of Hervey Bay has just been completed, producing some interesting findings.
Principal researcher and oceanographer, associate professor Joachim Ribbe, undertook five research cruises in Hervey Bay making salinity and temperature observations to investigate the impacts of variable freshwater input from river run-off (primarily from the Mary River) and precipitation.
In his study, Dr Ribbe has proven the existence of a high salinity (hypersalinity) zone in Hervey Bay. Dr Ribbe also documents the impact of precipitation and run-off upon the marine environment of Hervey Bay. High salinity and variable freshwater flows have considerable implications for the marine environment, aquaculture, fisheries production and marine NRM.
Dr Ribbe recorded the impacts of significant rainfall events and said, "Only during significant rainfall events, the high salinity zone might be eroded which we observed during the June 2008 cruise following the last major rainfall event in the Hervey Bay region.
"We observed high salinity before the early June 2008 storm. Following the storm, the Mary River run-off was about 300 000 mega litres which contributed about another 100 mm of rain if the runoff was equally distributed across the whole of the Bay, or about 200 mm if distributed across only the western hypersalinity region of the bay. Rainfall and river runoff combined eroded the near shore high salinity," Dr Ribbe said.
The project was funded by the Burnett Mary Regional Group and the University of Southern Queensland with additional support from the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries and Queensland Sea Scallop in Bundaberg.
Reporting achievements in sustainable agriculture and Landcare
A number of recent achievements made in sustainable agriculture and Landcare across Queensland are now available as case studies.
Partnerships between regional NRM bodies and community, industry and government organisations shown in these case studies highlight the strength of collaborative efforts across the state's NRM sector.
Queensland's agricultural industry is an asset to the state's economy in terms of revenue, viable regional communities and provision of employment opportunities, producing over $11 billion annually. These agricultural enterprises also manage 83% of the state’s land mass, leaving a significant environmental footprint.
The Landcare community and ethic is one of Queensland's greatest strengths. There over 300 Landcare groups in Queensland working hand-in-hand with graziers, growers, environmental groups, and governments to ensure a sustainable future for their communities.
The case studies highlighting collaborative efforts in sustainable agriculture and landcare can be found on the PlaceStories and Regional Groups Collective websites as both short movies and brochures.
Queensland's native fish being conserved in Burdekin waterways
Burdekin Dry Tropics NRM is helping to conserve native freshwater fish by working with the community to remove 40 key fish passage barriers, so the fish can reach their natural breeding areas.
There are 53 native species of freshwater fish in the Burdekin, Black, Ross, Haughton, and Don rivers which are unable to move freely into the myriad of creeks and streams they once called home.
Barriers to fish stock movement include weed infestations and culverts under roads.
The Townsville-based group has received $500 000 from the Queensland Government and $2.67 million from the Australian Government for 2008-09 to carry out its important NRM and conservation work.
Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace said, "This funding is part of $17.2 million committed by the Queensland Government to regional natural resource management in 2008-09, and $25.7 million from the Australian Government through its Caring for our Country initiative."
Mr Wallace said the group's project, 'Fish Passage Assessment and Restoration' had made significant progress since January 2007, identifying and mapping 12 000 barriers.
"Of the 12 000, the group has since identified 40 prime barriers and has fixed two of those, and is negotiating with land owners to continue enhancing fish passages," Mr Wallace said.
Read the full media release on the Queensland Government media statement website.
Skyrocketing fertiliser costs forces change in farming practices
With the costs of chemical fertilisers hitting $2000/tonne, growers and farmers are looking at other methods of supplying nutrients to their crops.
The Northern Gulf Resource Management Group (NGRMG) has witnessed this change in attitude and is partnering with local growers, the Fitzroy Basin Association, and the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) on a National Landcare Program project to gather data and information on compost tea practices.
NGRMG and Terrain NRM Sustainable Farming Practices project officer Kristjan Sorensen said, "We will be testing the viability and results of the use of compost tea in agricultural systems.
"Compost tea is brewed from specially designed composts and sprayed out over farms. It will be tested on three properties in the Mareeba area with a mix of commodities involving grazing, mango horticulture and organic pumpkins to get the best data across different farming systems," Kristjan said.
The project will be conducted over three years and is designed to chart the improvement in the health of soils using compost teas.
The results from the compost tea project will be used to make other farms more resilient to drought, climate change, and economic upheavals. It will also reduce input costs for farmers and improve production quality, making their enterprises more profitable.
For further information contact Kristjan Sorenesen on 4092 1088.
Torres Strait sponge farm approved
The Australian Government has given the green light to establish Australia's first commercial sponge farm in the waters of the Torres Strait.
The decision was announced at a meeting of scientists from the Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility and the board of the Torres Strait Regional Authority on Thursday Island off far north Queensland.
Biotechnologist Libby Evans-Illidge said the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts has given verbal approval to grow the common bath sponge in mesh cages off Masig Island.
Ms Evans-Illidge said it is a great opportunity for the Torres Strait Islanders to develop a profitable business.
"It's a very well established market and it's currently being supplied through wild harvest fisheries which are in decline around the world," she said.
"So there's a gap between supply and demand and we think that's an opportunity for aquaculture to be able to fill that gap."
Story sourced from ABC Online
Government updates
Ambitious targets set for environmental program
One million additional hectares of native habitat will be protected and farmers will be better supported to continue improving land management under ambitious environmental targets set by the Australian Government for the $2.25 billion Caring for our Country program.
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts Peter Garrett, and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke announced the targets.
Specific five-year outcomes across the program's six national priority areas include:
- increasing the size of the protected-area estate under the National Reserve System to 125 million hectares
- increasing the area of native habitat and vegetation managed to reduce critical threats to biodiversity by at least one million hectares
- reducing the impact of invasive species and maintain viable Tasmanian Devil populations
- assisting at least 30 per cent of Australian farmers to adopt sustainable land management practices
- contributing to at least 30 partnerships with Indigenous groups and at least five major regional partnerships.
"These ambitious but achievable objectives will ensure funding is invested strategically across the highest national priorities to ensure the best return in the management of Australia’s natural resources," Minister Garrett said.
Minister Burke said, "Caring for our Country will also have a strong emphasis on larger projects that bring together primary producers, regional natural resource management organisations, agri-businesses, researchers and scientists, community groups and all levels of government."
The next step in the delivery of Caring for our Country is the release of the business plan later this year, outlining short-term targets for each outcome and inviting proposals for funding against the strategic objectives set out in these outcome statements.
For more information or to download the outcomes document visit the Australian Government's NRM website.
Queensland's Indigenous cultural heritage Acts under review
The Queensland Government is encouraging people to have their say on the performance and effectiveness of Queensland's Indigenous cultural heritage legislation.
Minister for Natural Resources and Water Craig Wallace released a review paper at the recent Hughenden Regional Council. The paper is seeking the community's views on the performance of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 and the Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Act 2003.
Submissions are sought on topics such as whether it has done what it is set up to do, what parts of the act is working well and why, and what needs to be improved.
The review will identify whether the Acts have fulfilled their key objective to recognise the Aboriginal and Torres Islander people as the primary authority for matters concerning cultural heritage management.
The review team will travel to the regions to meet people who work with the Acts and to hear first hand their experiences both good and bad.
Submissions can be made to the Department of Natural Resources and Water (NRW) by 28 February 2009. For more information contact Jim Hill on 3225 2714.
The full review paper is available on the NRW website.
Final social impact drought report received
The Australian Government has received the final report from the independent expert panel looking at the social impacts of drought.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said, "This report is another important step in the Australian Government's plans to improve the drought support system and ensure it works better for farmers."
Chair of the panel, AgForce president Peter Kenny, briefed the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Minister Burke earlier this month on the panel's initial findings. He discussed the need for an improved drought policy which helps farmers plan for the future and prepare and adapt for the social, environmental and economic impacts of future droughts.
Mr Kenny was joined on the panel by Sabina Knight, Mal Peters, Daniela Stehlik, Barry Wakelin, Sue West, and Lesley Young.
The report on the social impact of drought was one of three commissioned by the Australian Government as part of the overall review of drought policy. The other two reports are a review of future climate projections by the CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology, released in July, and an economic assessment by the Productivity Commission, which is expected to be released in draft form later this year.
Independent review for Queensland fishery
Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett has commissioned an independent review of proposed new management arrangements for Queensland's East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery to assist the upcoming assessment of the fishery under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
Mr Garrett said the review of the fishery, which operates off the coast of Queensland, including in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, will be completed by the end of October, and will look at the proposed management arrangements for the fishery, providing recommendations to ensure compliance with the EPBC Act.
The review follows discussions with Queensland's Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, Tim Mulherin, in relation to the fishery's impacts on shark stocks and the potential for interactions with protected species, particularly dugongs, whales and sawfish.
"Concerns have been raised by a variety of groups, including the scientific community, about shark fishing and about species protected under the EPBC Act, including dugong," Mr Garrett said.
The review will be conducted by a panel chaired by John Gunn, deputy chief of the CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, and includes Dr John Stevens, a globally respected shark scientist, and Frank Meere, who has extensive experience in fisheries management and qualifications in economics.
$20 million extra to improve water information
Under the 'Modernisation and Extension of Hydrologic Monitoring Systems' program, an extra $20 million has been made available this financial year to improve water information networks in urban and regional areas.
Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong said, "This $20 million extra funding will help improve the coverage, accuracy and currency of water information, to help us get a clear and up-to-date picture of our water resources.
"The aim of this funding is to ensure that Australia has a consistent approach to water measurement, water data standards, and collecting water data."
Managed by the Bureau of Meteorology, the funding is available for a range of activities including:
- improving coordination of monitoring activities
- improving accuracy and currency of existing measurement networks of stream flow, meteorology, groundwater and water storages
- improving procedures for the management of water data within agencies
- enhancing monitoring network coverage for the purposes of water resources assessment and water accounting.
Organisations listed in the Water Regulations 2008 can apply for funding, including state and territory agencies that currently monitor water resources, irrigation co-operatives, urban water utilities and catchment management authorities.
Applications can be made through bids to be coordinated by state and territory lead water agencies. Bids must be received by Friday 10 October.
Information including contacts, eligibility, and how to apply for the funding is available from the Bureau of Meterology website.
Reef updates
Satellites aid Reef on floods and drought
Eyes in the sky have become unlikely allies of the Great Barrier Reef (Reef), as satellite imagery becomes an important tool in catchment management.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries' senior scientist Bob Karfs is leading a team of Queensland Government and CSIRO experts monitoring information that is available to land managers in Great Barrier Reef catchments.
It is a project that has been jointly funded by Burdekin Dry Tropics NRM and the Fitzroy Basin Association.
"By using the satellite images of catchments taken over a period of 10 or 20 years, we can get a really good picture of the downstream effects of nature-related events, such as floods or droughts, as well as man-made decisions such as clearing or revegetation," Mr Karfs said.
"To protect the Great Barrier Reef we need to limit the amount of sediments and nutrient loads entering the system via land based activities.
"Satellites give us images of the good, bad and ugly times, so our land managers along the catchments can see for themselves what has gone on in the past, and learn from this."
Mr Karfs said his project team is working on tools to give graziers and other land managers assistance in how to apply satellite information to their individual needs.
Genetic mapping gives clues to Reef life
Marine researchers are using genetic mapping to trace the movement of fish populations around the Great Barrier Reef.
By studying the DNA of spiny damselfish, scientists have discovered the fish go through cycles of local extinction and resettlement that have nothing to do with human activity.
Australian Institute of Marine Science researcher Dr Line Bay says the work gives reef managers new clues on how to manage the recovery of reefs where fish stocks are badly depleted.
"We found that reef populations are dynamic, that they do come and go in time and we found that this dynamic was a lot more pronounced in the southern region of the Great Barrier Reef," Dr Bay said.
Story sourced from ABC Online
Wetlands updates
Get online and find out what's new in wetlands
There is a new page on WetlandInfo that showcases the latest resources and information in wetland management.
"What's new" will be updated as new resources become available.
This month features new information about wetland mapping, wetland soils and improving on-farm wetlands.
You can find the page by clicking on the frog on the WetlandInfo homepage.
WetlandInfo was designed by the Queensland Wetlands Programme (QWP) to be a first-stop-shop for wetland management information in Queensland.
The QWP is a joint initiative between the Australian and Queensland governments to protect and conserve wetlands.
Improve on-farm wetlands and your bottom line
Wetlands are extremely important in intensive agricultural industries as they regulate irrigation and stock water quality, provide flood mitigation and erosion control, and assist in pest management.
They also provide water and recreational space for communities and are habitat for wildlife.
The Queensland Wetlands Programme has produced five case studies highlighting the benefits of wetlands in improving farm management and income.
The case studies detail how the farmers improved their farms and provide a detailed cost benefit analysis.
The case studies relate to the sugarcane, diary, cotton, ginger and nursery industries.
Printed versions of the case studies are available by emailing Angela Reed or Ian Layden. Electronic versions are available on WetlandInfo.
Natural resources news
Coral reef fin fish closure
Commercial and recreational fishers and charter boat operators around Queensland are being reminded that coral reef fin fish are off limits for three nine-day periods from October to December.
Fisheries resource manager Dr Brigid Kerrigan said, "The closures are in place to protect spawning aggregations of some iconic coral reef fin fish species like coral trout."
The closures for 2008 are:
- 22 October to 30 October inclusive
- 21 November to 29 November inclusive
- 21 December to 29 December inclusive.
For Queensland commercial fishers the closures apply to all Queensland east coast waters between latitude 10°41'S and 24°50'S.
For recreational fishers and recreational fishers on charter boats the closures apply to all waters within the Australian Fishing Zone adjacent to the east coast between latitude 10°41'S and 24°50'S.
"The closures, which occur every year, change depending on the new moon phases so it is important that people who fish for coral reef fin fish keep up to date with the latest information," Dr Kerrigan said.
For up-to-date information on recreational fishing rules and regulations check the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries website or contact the department on 13 25 23.
Keeping Place helps preserve heritage
A permanent Keeping Place in the Emerald Botanic Gardens has been opened for artefacts from earlier Aboriginal generations.
Opened by Ensham Resources, the Keeping Plan holds artefacts discovered including stone tools and fragments and other remnants from people who lived in the area, passed through, or were accessing the vast resources of the region.
The objects were discovered on land owned by Ensham as part of a cultural heritage survey and comprehensive Cultural Heritage Management Plan at Ensham.
Ensham general manager of operations Peter Westerhuis said the two-year survey indicated use of the area for a variety of purposes despite some 150 years of farming and more recently, mining.
"Capturing an understanding of that earlier history for future generations is important," Mr Westerhuis said.
Ensham's Cultural Heritage Management Plan involved negotiating agreements and understandings with local Aboriginal groups about how to identify and treat items of cultural significance found on Ensham's mining lease. The process also involved Ensham's staff learning about Aboriginal heritage with the assistance of local Aboriginal representatives.
The opening ceremony included traditional music and dances from the Woorabinda Dance Troupe and food and refreshments.
QCC Business Sustainability Breakfast Forum: the future of transport fuels
Queensland Conservation is holding its second Business Sustainability Breakfast Forum on Tuesday 2 December.
Following the sold out inaugural forum in June, this event will feature keynote presentations by Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation Andrew McNamara, and Mark Proegler, Director Environmental Policy for BP Australia. The forum will conclude with a panel discussion.
The event takes place in Brisbane and corporate tables are available.
More information about registration costs and program is available by contacting the event manager Samantha Morris Wombat Creative on 0421 709 519.
Make a splash this National Water Week
The Australian Water Association (AWA) is calling on schools, community groups, and individuals to jump into National Water Week, being held from 19-25 October 2008.
Hundreds of events take place on a local, regional, and national scale every year during National Water Week – and this year aims to be bigger than ever. This year's theme - Clean Water: Essential for Life – draws community attention to the importance of clean water to our health and quality of life. While scarce water is usually uppermost in people's minds, protecting water quality is also a priority we cannot afford to forget.
The AWA encourages school, community, environmental, and business groups to participate in Water Week activities. It can be as easy as running a colouring-in competition, taking part in cleaning-up a local waterway, inviting a water educator to talk to your group, a walk along a waterway, or organising an excursion to your local treatment plant.
There are loads of events and ideas on the National Water Week website, which also features a searchable calendar, educational resources, free games and downloads.
QCC's Grow Local campaign launch booked out
The launch of Queensland Conservation's Grow Local campaign, to be held on Wednesday 8 October has booked out.
The campaign, which focuses on helping people reconnect with farmers and the landscape, will work on supporting a network of community gardens; assisting people grow their own foods in backyards; and promoting local produce to consumers.
Queensland Conservation will follow up the launch with a full day Grow Local forum, which will take place in February 2009.
To register or for more information, contact event manager Racquel Lyons, Wombat Creative on 0419 789 574. Additional information about the Grow Local Campaign will be available on the Queensland Conservation website in the coming weeks.
New book has key to mixed farming
Farmers focused on the triple bottom line can benefit from a newly released Grain & Graze publication Managing Mixed Farms in the Maranoa, Balonne and Border Rivers, 2005-08.
The 63-page book provides a comprehensive documentation of the three-year Grain & Graze project, based in the Border Rivers and Maranoa-Balonne regions.
Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries' (DPI&F) senior agronomist Bede O'Mara said the Managing Mixed Farms publication is a valuable summary of the research, development and extension (RD&E) activities carried out within the project.
"Of most importance to producers are the project findings, relevant to these regions, which may guide businesses in future management choices to maximise productivity," Mr O'Mara said.
Mr O'Mara said Grain & Graze, funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation, Meat & Livestock Australia, Australian Wool Innovation, Land & Water Australia, and DPI&F, aimed to boost farm profitability across the mixed farming zones of Australia, while helping to protect the environment.
"One of the strengths of the program was the direct involvement of farmers and farming groups in local trials and extension activities," he said.
The Border Rivers sub-project was led by the Queensland Murray-Darling Committee (QMDC) with research, development and extension activities undertaken by DPI&F, the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Water (NRW), CSIRO, Griffiths Agronomy, and MCA Goondiwindi. The Maranoa Balonne sub-project was lead by the DPI&F with collaborative research, development, and extension partners QMDC, NRW, and CSIRO.
Managing Mixed Farms in the Border Rivers & Maranoa, Balonne and Border Rivers 2005-08 is available from DPI&F offices at Goondiwindi, Roma, and St George. The book is also available from other agency offices including QMDC.
For further information, contact your nearest DPI&F centre or phone 13 25 23.
Queensland Landcare Conference over for another year...
Monto last week played host to the 19th annual Queensland Landcare Conference, with more than 330 people attending workshops, field trips and social functions over the four-day event.
The conference was coordinated by North Burnett Landcare Group, who went as far as to construct a tent city to house 100 delegates and ship in two catering companies from within the region to feed visitors from across the state.
Michelle Gleeson, conference convenor, believes the conference would not have been possible without the huge volunteer effort.
"So many people contributed to this event. Locals assisted in tidying up the showgrounds and readying venues, other Landcare groups loaned us laptops and projectors, council helped with waste removal, and some 20 organisations came on board as sponsors for our conference," Ms Gleeson said.
"The support we received was overwhelming."
Event manager, Samantha Morris, of Wombat Creative has been involved in many past Landcare conferences and agrees that the level of support for this event was enormous.
"I've never seen a local community pull together like Monto did for this event," Ms Morris said. "All of the feedback from our delegates was exceptional, and this is a direct reflection on the hospitality and friendliness offered to landcarers by people throughout the district."
More information about sessions and speakers will be available online at the end of October on the Landcare Conference website. For more information contact Sam Morris.
Three weeks to go until Veg Futures 08
Veg Futures 08 is shaping up to be a significant event in the NRM calendar.
With some 90 speakers, 16 concurrent workshops and paddock sessions featuring Lockyer and Darling Downs landscapes, the conference is expected to attract more than 400 delegates.
Workshop topics include carbon markets, capacity building, decision support tools, the marriage of biodiversity and production, engagement in vegetation management, and more.
Robyn Williams has been confirmed as a dinner speaker; and additional events include a waterwise gardening forum; and a workshop on art and the environment.
Registration and program information is available from the Greening Australia website.
AgForward workshop update
The AgForward team present a range of workshops to landholders, including GPS essentials, computer mapping, vegetation management, and AgForest's native forest field days.
Upcoming workshops include:
- 28 October: Georgetown - GPS Essentials
- 29 October: Mt Surprise - GPS Essentials
- 29 October: Charleville - Vegetation Management
- 30 October: Greenvale - GPS Essentials
- 30 October: Cunnamulla - Vegetation Management
To register for the workshops contact Bree Robertson on 3238 6039. To register for the AgForests Field Days contact Rohan Allen on 0408 769 918.
More information on these workshops can be found on the AgForward website (under 'Workshops').
Get a job in NRM!
Are you interested in working with Queensland's regional natural resource management bodies? Then head to the Regional Groups' Collective website or NRMjobs website where current job opportunities are now available. Be sure to check back regularly to ensure you don't miss out on the job of a lifetime!
Here's a sample of what's on offer:
Regional body/organisation: AgForce Queensland
Title: Project officer (three positions)
Tenure: Full-time until June 2009 (possibility of extension)
Salary range: from $50 000 (dependant on experience)
Location: Brisbane and regional Queensland
Closing date: Monday 13 October
AgForce Queensland is a peak organisation representing Queensland's rural producers, which strives to ensure the long term growth, viability, competitiveness and profitability of the broadacre industries of cattle, grain, sheep and wool.
AgForce is seeking three innovative, creative, dynamic and forward thinking individuals to be a part of its unique and exciting AgForward program.
Further information can be obtained by contacting Rob Johnson on 3236 3100.
Regional body/organisation: Northern Gulf Resource Management Group
Title: Grazing Lands Officer
Tenure: Full-time until 31 December 2009 (subject to ongoing funding)
Salary range: between $55 000-$70 000 + super ( dependent on skills and experience)
Location: Georgetown (minimum 12 months with the option to then relocate to Mareeba)
Closing date: Friday 17 October
To work with the grazing industry and partners in the Northern Gulf NRM region to provide regional coordination and technical support for projects that improve land management practices and the condition of natural resources and facilitate improvement in land condition.
Download the position description from the Northern Gulf website.
Thought for the week
If opportunity doesn't exist; build a door ...
Anon.
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Last updated 03 October 2008