Internal forum provides invaluable in-person future planning and opportunity to learn from innovative locals

Key takeaways

TNQ Drought Hub team participated in three day planning forum in Rockhampton
Highlights include visiting CQ Organics “Bindaree” and tour of Central Queensland Innovation and Research Precinct
These events build on culture of collaboration and help equip the team to tackle the challenges of drought resilience and sustainable land management.

In mid October, the wider TNQ Drought Hub team gathered in Rockhampton for our fourth internal staff forum—a rare but invaluable opportunity to meet face-to-face.

For three days, the team worked together to map out the future of the Hub and regional activities. We also learnt from innovative local landholders and researchers, gaining insights that will help guide our efforts towards a more resilient and sustainable region.

Jayme Burkett, Drought Resilience Coordinator and Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator from Cape York NRM, captured the essence of the gathering: “The forum was an incredible opportunity to collaborate, strengthen networks, and build genuine friendships with some fantastic people while planning for a resilient future.”

A special thanks goes to Vicki Horstman, Drought Resilience and Land Management Coordinator at Fitzroy Basin Association, who did a fantastic job organising and hosting the event. Vicki shared, “Being part of the hub provides an opportunity to showcase to our landholders and ag community the services and knowledge that can assist in building resilience. This is also enhanced by the NRM services.”

Highlights from the forum included:

Strategic planning for the hub’s future: Together, we started shaping the future direction of the Hub, formulating ideas and activities that will drive resilience in our region. Our priorities, grounded in the pillars of environmental, social, and economic resilience, will ensure we continue to make a meaningful, on-ground impact.
Visit to CQ Organics “Bindaree”: Mick and Nolea Alexander hosted us at CQ Organics, where they shared their philosophy of working with nature to reap benefits. Years of dedication have allowed them to enhance their land’s energy (carbon), environment, landscape, animals and plants, demonstrating how sustainable practices can yield tangible benefits.
Tour of the Central Queensland Innovation and Research Precinct (CQIRP): We heard from researchers at Central Queensland University, including Dr Tineke Trotter, Prof Mark Trotter, Dr Simon Quigley, Dr Anita Chang, and Dr Thomas Williams. They spoke about research into diversification options for northern cropping systems (such as fennel, sesame, and kalonji), livestock sensors and management techniques for increased production and trials into production efficiencies and methane reduction through ruminant nutritional management.

Reflecting on the event, Jane Barker, our Adoption Officer added “Catching up in person at the internal forum allowed me to get to know people better and appreciate the diversity on our team. The connection, momentum and opportunities fostered at this event can only benefit our industry.”

Events like this allow us to strengthen personal connections, foster casual, off-the-cuff conversations, and engage in hands-on activities that deepen our collective commitment to supporting the region’s producers, growers, and land managers. By building on our culture of collaboration, we can better equip ourselves to tackle the challenges of drought resilience and sustainable land management.