TNQ Drought Hub
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Supporting Extension Officers through a Lifelong Journey of Learning

Key takeaways

  • Empowering extension officers ensures Queensland agriculture continues to thrive in the face of challenges like drought
  • The newly developed Extension Pathways Matrix provides a structured framework for identifying the skills needed by extension officers
  • TNQ Drought Hub partnered with Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to develop the materials

The TNQ Drought Hub, in collaboration with the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), has developed a generic Extension Pathways Matrix designed to support extension organisations across Australia.

This matrix, along with other supporting documents, provides a structured framework for identifying the skills needed by extension officers, informing their career paths and training requirements.

Extension services are vital in strengthening drought resilience by helping land managers adopt new practices and turning research into practical, on-the-ground solutions. To ensure these services are effective, it’s crucial that extension officers receive ongoing professional development. This not only keeps them technically proficient but also hones their interpersonal skills, which are essential for working closely with farmers and communities.

Professor David Phelps, Director of the TNQ Drought Hub, highlighted the importance of supporting and empowering these professionals, “The adoption of new practices to keep Queensland agriculture globally competitive, to grow the best food in the world, and to be resilient for an uncertain future relies on skilled Extension Professionals who understand agriculture, farming and farmers.

“We’re proud to have worked with Queensland DAF to develop resources that help extension professionals be the best they can be. Excellent extension officers never stop learning, and we hope these tools will assist them on their lifelong journey to acquire new knowledge and skills.”

By upskilling extension officers, we can ensure that Queensland’s agriculture continues to thrive in the face of challenges like drought. Through ongoing education and support, extension officers can remain at the forefront of innovation and resilience, driving positive change across the sector.

View the extension resources.

TNQ Drought Hub