Strengthening drought preparedness and resilience in Tropical North Queensland begins with people. Through the Building Human Capacity program, we’re supporting communities, industry, and future leaders to develop practical skills, grow networks, and share knowledge that can be put into action on the ground.
Through mapping regional networks, capturing expert knowledge, facilitating stakeholder collaboration, and supporting student research, these activities ensure producers, extension officers, and future leaders are equipped with the tools, connections, and insights needed to make informed decisions and build resilient, productive landscapes for the future.
The future of drought resilience in Tropical North Queensland lies in developing local capacity and supporting the next generation of leaders. In partnership with our Nodes, existing organisations and programs, we’re helping students and emerging leaders build the skills, confidence, and networks they need to guide their businesses and communities through drought and climate challenges.
From funding student-led research aligned with regional priorities, to raising awareness of agricultural careers and supporting rural students to stay in the regions, we are investing in practical pathways for the future. We are also developing collaborative extension resources and delivering targeted training in remote areas, removing barriers and building local capacity where it’s needed most.
Drought resilience starts with the right skills. Across Tropical North Queensland, we’re working collaboratively with Node partners, producers, communities, and industry to deliver targeted, practical training that supports sustainable, productive farming and land management under changing conditions.
These activities cover areas such as business and financial management, governance, digital literacy, and succession planning to help producers use data to make informed decisions while navigate change and maintaining business viability – ensuring practical knowledge translates into action on the ground.
Delivering these opportunities locally often involves overcome logistical barries due to the rural and remote nature of much of our region, but by bringing them to places where they are needed most, we are ensuing these communities are better prepared to manage change and build resilience.
North-west Queensland is set to welcome a series of agricultural succession planning and future proofing forums this month, aimed at educating those in the industry about the critical importance of
Join the TNQ Drought Hub and Southern Gulf NRM for an Ag Succession and Future Proofing Forum. When and Where Cloncurry, 18 July, Cloncurry Community Precinct Richmond, 19 July, Civic
Management Committee Member Quick Reference Guide Resource
This Management Committee Member’s Quick Reference Guide has been developed by the TNQ Drought Hub in collaboration with Get on Board Australia to provide a guide on the key aspects of committee membership.
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Each program has several activities or themes that various projects will be delivered through.
Education and industry opportunities will grow capability across the sector increasing the pipeline of talent for current and future opportunities. Activities include:
Delivering a School to Industry Partnership Program where secondary students can apply to undertake a three-day intensive tour of agribusinesses in their region.
Delivering a JCU Work Integrated Learning Programs through TNQ Hub Nodes where undergraduate and postgraduate students can apply their learnings in a real-world professional environment.
Building networks and relationships with training, educational, and extension organisations to contribute to educational pathways and identify opportunities to increase practical competencies.
Offering TNQ Hub scholarships (full time and top-up) that are more regionally focused approach and will build academic knowledge in the agricultural sector.Â
Increased Governance and Financial literacy will contribute to the building of community capacity and strengthen their wellbeing and social capital. Activities include:
Delivering a governance and a regional financial skills workshop through industry partners to build community capability.
Exploring opportunities to upskill small business or enterprise skills to increase community capability.
Building leadership capability in the sector will enable better business decisions and improve people management skills. Activities include:
Identify potential opportunities in existing resilience programs. Activities include:
Program Lead
Jane has extensive experience in human resource management, has held both technical and managerial roles in the public and private sectors, and has been a Senior Lecturer for several years. Jane’s recent PhD explored the psychological contract, leadership, and employee engagement.
Jane’s skills will support the development of programs to enhance work skills through micro-credentials, industry research internships and other learning and developmental opportunities across the TNQ region.