welcome to

Over 120 graziers across the Desert Channels Region took the opportunity to learn about Groundcover and Erosion Control at a series of workshops held over the week of 16-20 August.

Desert Channels would like to thank Greendale's Matt Bauer, Railview's David & Michelle Fryer and Rob Jansen from NAPCO's Marion Downs for hosting the workshops.

(24 August 2010)

Image: Dalkeith's Mac & Paul McClymont and Jenny Milson from DEEDI flew over the Railview Grader Workshop on their way back to Longreach. (19 August 2010)

Erosion Control Grader Workshops coming to the DCQ region in August.

Monday 16 August - Greendale Tambo Workshop fully booked

Wednesday 18 August - Railview Prairie

Friday 20 August - NAPCO Marion Downs Boulia

(1 August 2010)

Nature Boy makes tracks!

On Friday 9th July 2010 we said goodbye to Steve Wilson.  

Since March 2003, as Regional Coordinator, Steve has managed our onground team. He is a great ambassador who we farewell with much sadness, but also with much pride. We wish him well in all his future endeavours. Best wishes to Steve, Tracey, Cohen, Daly & Allira.

 (9 July 2010)

Australian Government Landcare NRM Region Award

The National Landcare awards were announced in Canberra on Thursday 24th June 2010 and DCQ took out the category for the best Landcare Natural Resource Management (NRM) region.

This award is for excellence and innovation in creating partnerships with their Landcare community, for natural resource and environmental management.

Desert Channels Queensland prides itself on its organisational stability, its innovation, and its capacity to develop valuable and productive partnerships across its very dynamic region.

(24 June 2010)

Reviving Indigenous Languages in Western Queensland

Representatives of community, education, state and the local government sectors attended an Indigenous language workshop in Longreach on the 9^th and 10^th of June to explore ways to renew and revive Indigenous language within the community. 

Delivered by the State Library of Queensland and hosted by Desert Channels Queensland (DCQ), the workshop looked at the history of languages in the region, their importance, and ways to keep Indigenous language alive.

The Koa Pictorial Dictionary (pictured) is one of 10 basic language dictionaries being developed through the Indigenous Dictionaries Project for language groups in the DCQ region. The project is run by the DCQ Indigenous Engagement Officer Jeff Poole and is funded by the Maintainance of  Indigenous Language & Records program through the Australian Government's Department of Environment Water, Heritage and the Arts.

 (14 June 2010)

 DC Solutions has installed synthetic turf at the new Windorah Community Centre as part of their 'water wise' garden.

 (7 June 2010)

Addressing Wild Dogs and Sustainability in the Channel Country

Achieving sustainable use of our landscape is the key factor to maintaining long-term financial viability was the key message of the Channel Country Sustainable Grazing Forum was held in Jundah on the 26^th and 27^th May 2010.

The forum was an opportunity for landholders to learn about and share their grazing management techniques while accessing information from leading experts in a range of fields. ( 28 May 2010)

Empowering Rural Women

Empowering rural women was the focus of a workshop that was held at the Tambo Town Hall. Desert Channels Queensland (DCQ) hosted the two day workshop specifically designed for rural and remote women on Wednesday 28^th and Thursday 29^th of April.

Over the two days, focus was on issues faced by rural women with topics including; communication, succession planning, rural business analysis, biodiversity, grant writing and funding opportunities, arts, mental and physical health and well being. (1 May 2010)

DCQ on the road with Parkinsonia Dieback workshops

Elisha Seekamp seals the inoculum capsule into the Parkinsonia tree.

On Wednesday 14th April at Eastmere Station and Friday 16th April at Holmleigh around 90 people gathered  to learn more about the effective and innovative approaches to managing Parkinsonia. The workshops are held in partnership with Desert Channels, Meat & Livestock Australia, the University of Queensland and Southern Gulf Catchments.

(20 April 2010)

DCQ Plan Review

Five thousand invitations have hit households across one-third of Queensland as Desert Channels Queensland gears up for its NRM plan review.
This review is timely. The current DCQ plan, Protecting our Assets, was written in 2004 and updated at the end of 2006; much has happened since then.
Mike Chuk, planner with DCQ, said while the review is well and truly due, he hopes the updated plan can match or exceed what has been achieved over the past five years under the guidance of the original, community-based plan.
“We’ve put together some pretty impressive numbers,” he said, “like the enhancement or protection of 752,804 hectares of non-riparian native vegetation, and 125 demonstrations and field days attended by 1,457 people.”
The Desert Channels region covers 50 million hectares, with only about 5,000 men women and children living outside of the towns. And while government investment to date has leveraged 2 to 3 times as much from landholders, it has only been enough to see about 20 cents per hectare per year spent on landscape-level, strategic, sustainable land management.
There is so much more to be done. 

(February 2010)

LOCAL FUNGUS FIGHTS INVADER

Desert Channels Queensland’s latest foray into disseminating cutting edge natural resource management knowledge to the community is giving landholders the opportunity to take part in ground-breaking research in the biological control of Parkinsonia.
Using a naturally occurring fungus, a research team led by Dr Vic Galea from UQ has conducted successful trials in Western Australia and the Northern Territory in 2009. Now, Desert Channels Queensland is working with Dr Galea to deliver five workshops across the west, from north to south, to provide information on how landholders can participate in the latest research to further develop this biological control mechanism for Parkinsonia.
Funded by Meat & Livestock Australia, these free workshops will be coordinated by DCQ’s Ron Beezley, and landholders with infestations of parkinsonia are being invited to participate.
Interested landholders can register for workshops by contacting Ron Beezley (DCQ) on (07) 4658 0600 or ron.beezley@dcq.org.au.

 (January 2009)

ROSEBANK STATION HOSTS 'BEST TRAC-BEST PRAC' GRADER WORKSHOP

23 November saw around 60 graziers gather at the 'Best Trac-Best Prac' workshop to learn from the expertise of Territorian Darryl Hill.  Darryl has studied erosion for more than 40 years and has run grader workshops across the Australian rangelands.

The workshop included practical guidelines, grader use demonstrations and provided people with access to information on design and maintenance of fire plough tracks, property access roads, fence lines and formed roads. A safer working environment, reduced travel time on property access roads, more effective fire breaks and track maintenance reduction time are some of the benefits landholders can expect from the 'Best Trac – Best Prac' tips that were provided on the day.

(28 November 2009)

'BEST TRAC-BEST PRAC' GRADER WORKSHOPS COMING SOON

 Workshops start 23 November download flyer here 

• Rosebank Research Station, Longreach Monday 23 November, 2009 8:30am for 9am start
• Desert Recreation Club, The Lake, Aramac Tuesday 24 November, 2009 10am for 10:30am start (following the DUC meeting)
• Weona Station, Winton Friday 27 November, 2009 8:30am for 9am start
• Tucson Station, Winton Saturday 28 November, 2009 8:30am for 9am start
•  Alpha Town Hall Tuesday 1 December, 2009 8:30am for 9am start

 For catering purposes, please RSVP four days prior to your preferred workshop to either:

 Jenny Milson, QPIF 07 4650 1247 or jenny.milson@deedi.qld.gov.au

 Rosie Johnston, RFDS 07 4652 5806 rjohnston@rfdsqld.com.au

(18 November 2009)

CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION FOCUS AT DCQ FORUM

CHANGING WITH OUR CLIMATE

The Climate Change Adaptation Forum is being held on Thursday the 12th of November at the Agricultural College Auditorium, and will feature highly qualified and experienced speakers according to organizer, Colleen James of Desert Channels Queensland.

Speakers include Emeritus Professor Bob Miles of Central Queensland University on the implications and risks to the pastoral sector and explores some of the ways forward; Queensland Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries Senior Scientist Dr Steven Bray on a greenhouse impact comparison of grazing versus destocking, discussing the tradeoffs in relation to livestock methane emissions reduction versus greater burning emissions; the CSIRO’s Dr Ed Charmley on reducing methane emissions while improving your bottom line; Tony Lovell of Soil Carbon Research, Bond University on using soil carbon to address biodiversity loss, build eco-system resilience, and help reverse desertification; and Alan Lauder, author of ‘Carbon Grazing - The Missing Link’ on reducing the impact of an increasingly variable climate. 

(20 October 2009)

SOIL INFORMATION DAYS COMING TO PRAIRIE, WINTON AND BOULIA

•  From a ground-cover point of view, what are the issues, limitations and benefits associated with a particular soil type?
• How does soil type impact on pasture production?
• Soil information and importance of soil health with Ray O’Grady
• Run-off and infiltration demonstrations with rainfall simulator with Peter Burger
• Soil core extraction and information on soil type and properties with John Ross
• Field tour incorporating different soil types
• Delbessie soil condition monitoring information with Mike Cannon
• Bring a sample and talk to experts about your soil, pH and salt content testing.

DCQ CLEANS UP AT THE STATE LANDCARE AWARDS

First Place - Australian Government Landcare NRM Region Award for providing funding opportunities, extension facilities and support to groups and individuals to undertake Landcare activities.

First Place - Landcare Indigenous Award for the Traditional Knowledge Recording Project

Third Place - Landcare Indigenous Award for the Aboriginal Advisory Panel

 Budjiti Elder Phillip Eulo, AAP Deputy Chair Judith Harrison, DCQ Regional Coordinator Steve Wilson, Her Excellency the Governor of Queensland Ms Penelope Wensley AO and DCQ CEO Leanne Kohler at Government House for the awards ceremony.

DCQ HOSTS NATURALLY RESOURCEFUL AT EROMANGA 

Ladies from the southern boundaries of the DCQ region gathered at the Eromanga Town Hall to build their skills, knowledge and understanding at a two day workshop that covered topics including: Communication, personality profiling, financial and succession planning, biodiversity, grant writing, planning for positive change and health and wellbeing.

NATURALY RESOURCEFUL HEADS TO EROMANGA

NEW ONLINE REGIONAL EVENTS CALENDAR!

Jump online and see what's on at DCQ and across our region on our new DCQ regional events calendar. If you would like to include your event on the calendar send us an email at info@dcq.org.au.

WOMEN'S WORKSHOPS IN THE WEST

DCQ GETS GARDEN GURUS TOGETHER IN MAY

Over 200 people took the chance to look at ways to become more waterwise in the garden at DCQ's Waterwise Garden Expo - held from 22 to 23 May at the Longreach Civic and Cultural Centre. The expo included talks from industry professionals, 14 exhibitor displays and competitions.

In keeping with the gardening vibe of May, DCQ headed to Tambo and Aramac to host Waterwise Garden Workshops with around 50 people attending in total. The month also included the launch of the Longreach Botanic Walkway Signage Project, a primary schools 'staying sustainable' competition and a high school photographic competition.

SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED...

CLEARING THE MYTHS OF THE 3Cs - CARBON & CLIMATE CHANGE

The first of three DCQ 3Cs information days took place at Prairie yesterday. The days were a chance for local landholders to learn more about Carbon an Climate Change and to hear from experts in these fields.

Read more about the 3Cs day here.

MESSING WITH MESQUITE

'AUSTRALIA'S CANE TOADS BRAINS TRUST' SET SITES ON PEST

A forum touted as a meeting of 'Australia's cane toad brains trust' was held in Longreach from 29 to 30 April to share information and discuss the future of cane toad management as the pest moves further into the Lake Eyre Basin.

The forum attracted over 20 attendees from across Australia who collectively boast a long history and experience with ecology, biology, environment and natural resource management, conservation and pest management. The forum was co-hosted by South Australian Arid Lands NRM and Desert Channels Queensland.

Pictured above (from L-R) Professor Ross Alford (James Cook University), Professor Rick Shine (University of Sydney), Mark Williams (South Australian Arid Lands NRM), and Angus Emmott (Chair, Lake Eyre Basin Community Advisory Committee).

BLACKALL HONOURS ITS WAR HERO

On the evening of Friday 24 April, a bronze statue of local hero Edgar Towner VC was unveiled at a twilight ceremony in Memorial Park, Blackall. The following day opened with a dawn service in Memorial Park, followed by breakfast, ANZAC Day march and rededication of the cenotaph.

DCQ is proud to be a major sponsor of the Edgar Towner Memorial Dinner held last year to raise funds for the statue and supported elements of the ANZAC Day weekend program.

Read more about Edgar Towner in the March 2009 edition of the Basin Bullet.
(27 April 2009)
 

GREAT TURNOUT FOR BLACKALL INNOVATIONS FORUM

The inaugural Blackall Innovations Forum was hailed a success with over 90 people turning up on the day. There was a broad mix of sheep and cattle producers who travelled from far and wide to hear from other landholders about the innovations that have worked for them. Read more...
(21 April 2009)
 

LAUNCH OF DC SOLUTIONS & DESERT CHANNELS FOUNDATION

On Friday night Desert Channels Queensland staff and board launched its commercial arm, DC Solutions, and its philathropic trust, Desert Channels Foundation. For more visit the DC Solutions website and the Desert Channels Foundation website.
(6 April 2009)

RABBITSCAN CHALLENGE

RabbitScan is a new initiative that RMAG (the national Rabbit Management Advisory Group) developed to coincide with the 150 year anniversary of the wild rabbit being introduced.

The challenge is to record data about rabbits from at least 5000 sites across Australia that have rabbits. RMAG would like your help, to find and record the data. They will provide the tools you need to capture and record survey data for May, 'RabbitScan Month'.

Register now at the RabbitScan website.
 

STRATFORD STATION PROJECT VISIT LEAVES AN IMPRESSION

Robyn Adams and Terry Brennan (pictured front right) of Stratford Station near Blackall were host to Australian and Queensland Government representatives. The visitors were shown the work undertaken in partnership with local Aboriginal people through a DCQ funded project to help protect a significant Indigenous cultural heritage and biodiversity on their property. A DVD is available on the project - email DCQ to request a copy.
(3 April 2009)
 

REGIONAL VISIT FROM GOVT REPS

Three days in a 4WD!!! - DCQ's Steve Wilson (left) and Dave Thompson (right) are conducting field trips of the DCQ region and projects this week with (from L-R) Australian Government Facilitator Kathryn Galea and Regional Liaison Officer Mark Lodder, and Queensland Government Regional Liaison Officer Donna Robinson. So far the group have travelled to Edgbaston in Aramac, Winton and today will be in Blackall.
(2 April 2009)

FUNDING FLURRY NEARLY FINISHED

DCQ staff are busy finalising applications for funding under the Australian Government's Caring for our Country. DCQ's partnerships officer Sue Gardiner (pictured) is caught deep in thought checking over an application.
(1 April 2009)
 

DIGGING DEEPER INTO SOILS

The first of three soil information days hosted by DCQ kicked off at Kenya Station near Muttaburra with 25 people attending to hear from soil experts on how the health and type of soil can impact on ground cover and production. Pictured is the rain simulator demonstration. Read more...
(18 March 2009)
 

RANGELANDS TRAINING AT DCQ

Over three days DCQ hosted a Rangelands Australia course, with participants from DCQ, South Australia, Winton and Thargomindah. For more information on Rangelands courses visit the Rangelands Australia website.
(17 March 2009)
 

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS WITH A GOLD LINING

It was a case of a gold medal presenter for gold medal worthy achievements as environmental leaders and innovators in the region were recognised at the Nissan Central West Industry Excellence Awards 2009. Read more...
(14 March 2009)
 

SNAKES STOP TRAFFIC IN LONGREACH

The main street of Longreach came to a standstill as pythons stopped shoppers in their tracks on Friday and Saturday outside Barkers Newsagency. It was the launch of the publication Snakes of Western Queensland that brought the slithery duo out with authors local grazier Angus Emmott and DCQ's Steve Wilson setting up to talk to customers and sign copies of their recently released book.
(14 March 2009)
 

LAUNCH OF SNAKES GUIDE FOR THE WEST

Snakes of Western Queensland: a Field Guide, co-authored by local grazier, Angus Emmott (Hon MSc) and DCQ staffer, Steve G Wilson (BAppSc) was launched with a ‘special guest’ of the slithery kind, Daffodil the Olive Python. For more information on the book email info@dcq.org.au.
(3 March 2009)

NATURALLY RESOURCEFUL WOMEN IN WINTON

A short course to empower rural women to lead positive change on their properties and within their communities was hosted by DCQ in Winton. 11 women attended in Winton coming from Corfield and Winton areas.
(27 February 2009)

FIRST LADIES OF THE WEST

For the first time in the west women of the region had an opportunity to enhance their involvement in natural resource management at a property level and in the wider community through a short course delivered by Desert Channels Queensland. 20 women attended in Longreach from Longreach area, Eromanga , Blackall, Jundah, Isisford.
(24 February 2009)

SIGNS WORTH STOPPING FOR

Travelling out west just got more interesting and even educational for locals and tourists alike with new interpretive signage providing an added incentive to stop and appreciate Western Queensland. Read more...
(20 January 2009)

For more information on stories please call dcq on 07 4658 0600 or email info@dcq.org.au.