Ian Herbert, Capricorn Conservation Council & Sam Tarlington, Rolleston Coal
John Chamberlain, DPI&F with John Baccon, Clermont
Michael McCabe, Fitzroy River & Coastal Catchments; Jason Pfingst, Fitzroy Basin Elders Committee; Bob Muir; FBA Board member
Susan Maas, DPI&F with Jennifer Gleeson, Dawson Catchment Coordinating Association
Fitzroy Basin Association
Central Highlands hosts Fitzroy Basin Association
The Central Highlands were on display at the beginning of March when members of the Fitzroy Basin Association (FBA) met in Emerald for their regular stakeholders forum and a special general meeting.
A broad cross-section of the community was represented, with landholders, AgForce, mining, cotton, indigenous and conservation sectors in attendance. Local councils, state agencies and service sectors also sent delegates.
CHRRUP (Central Highlands Regional Resources Use Planning Cooperative) hosted the day as partnership agreements with FBA provide funding for the on-ground and operational work in the Nogoa and Comet catchments within the Fitzroy Basin.
During the special general meeting a new constitution was adopted to maintain grassroots communication and meet the needs of an empowered community.
At the stakeholders forum Claire Rodgers, FBA's NRM Manager highlighted the excellent work being done by land holders to keep soil on paddocks and out of the Basin’s creeks and rivers.
Department of Natural Resources and Water SedNet modelling shows that an estimated 75 000 tonnes will remain on paddocks as a result of riparian land management undertaken by landholders in the 2005/2006 financial year alone.
These encouraging statistics and a three year consultation process involving the community and science providers saw those present at the Forum endorse the goal of reducing sediment entering the Basin's waterways by 4.1 million tonnes over the next ten years.
Anna Keetels, CHRRUP executive officer, recruited speakers from Cotton Australia, IAWM, Ensham Resources and DPI&F to demonstrate how production processes in the major CQ industries of cropping, cattle, cotton and coal are being driven by a renewed awareness of natural resource management.
CHRRUP demonstrated their commitment and impact on natural resource management across the Highlands as staff 'dressed up' their roles as field officers. An entertaining role play concluded the forum which illustrated CHRRUP's interaction and communication with landholders in property management planning, and applying for project funding.
Back to the VoiceLast updated 04 April 2007