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Media Releases
February 2012
New Recruit Swaps City Desk for Outdoor OfficeCondamine Alliance’s newest recruit has been in the office less than one week and he is already keen to leave. The 33 year-old agribusiness consultant from Brisbane has joined the Sustainable Agriculture program team as its principal project officer. “The sooner I get out of the office the better,” Christian Capp said. Mr Capp, who graduated from Toowoomba Grammar in 1995, said he was looking forward to a hands-on role where he spent most of his time out of the office and in the field with farmers. Read the full story here.
January 2012
Young farmers to learn how climate change will affect themYoung land managers will learn first hand the likely impact of climate change in our region and be able to discuss the effects to their individual farms and ways to adapt now, and in the future. A full day Climate Solutions Workshop, presented by Condamine Alliance, will dispel some of the myths of climate science and give participants access to respected scientists from the Condamine Emeritus Scientists group. Read the full story here.
Darling Downs trial attracts widespread interest
An extensive trial of organic fertilisers is now underway on the Darling Downs attracting keen interest from both farmers and scientists. Six sites have been selected as part of the trial which is being conducted by PathwayAg through support by Condamine Alliance. The trial will test the suitability and impact of animal manures (feedlot, pig and poultry), compost and biosolids (treated sewerage) on different types of locally grown crops. Read the full story here
December 2011
Land managers to be given a helping hand to protect valuable land
Groups and individual landholders from across the Condamine catchment are being offered the opportunity to participate in the exciting new Adopt a Patch program by Condamine Alliance. The program aims to improve the condition and connectivity of habitat for native plants and wildlife in the catchment. Successful applicants will be offered assistance ranging from the provision of information and expert advice on management issues unique to their individual ‘patches’, through to funding for the purchase of specialist equipment or materials for conservation based on ground works. Read the full story here.
November 2011
A band of Chinchilla residents is determined to keep its feet firmly on the ground to combat the impacts of climate change. Chinchilla Landcare, together with Condamine Alliance and Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, has completed a series of local activities throughout the district to cultivate resilient soil. Condamine Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Manager Andrew McCartney said a grounded approach to managing the impacts of climate change will have positive outcomes. “Healthy soil is critical to not only the viability of our agricultural industries but to the future of our communities,” Mr McCartney said. Read the full story here.
Volunteering American youth brave Australian wildlife to restore our river
Three snakes, countess huntsmen, lots of butterflies and endless flies but nothing could dampen the enthusiasm of the recent team from Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) who have been helping our river recover from the floods earlier this year. Whilst the majority of the rubbish they collected originated as blue plastic covers off hay bales that got washed away in the flood they also picked up barb wire, steel pegs, beer bottles, tyres, an assortment farming equipments and much more off the banks of our river. The team of 7 (18 – 20 year olds), who all originated from all over the USA, are the first of ten teams who will spend the next 10 weeks working along the river clearing man made debris. Read the full story here.
With a wet summer being predicted, rivers in the Southern Downs are getting the once over thanks to flood and disaster recovery funding from Queensland Reconstruction Authority. Condamine Alliance is partnering with Southern Downs Regional Council to identify key public areas along the river that are still in need of work after the floods earlier this year. “We need to ensure that all major man made debris is cleared from the flood zones to protect the river and ensure if future flooding occurs debris is not mobilized again,” said Phil McCullough, CEO of Condamine Alliance. “The types of debris that is expected to be encountered include general household waste, bottles, plastic bags, plastic wrapping from hay bales, hay bales, fence wire, corrugated iron, chemical drums, star pickets and steel drums. Read the full story here.
Native Fish Awareness Week a Success
Locals helped secure the future of native fish in the Condamine catchment during Native Fish Awareness Week last week.
Fisheries Queensland joined forces with the local natural resource management group, Condamine Alliance, to educate local communities about native and pest fish species. Activities kicked off Monday with a Native Fish Science Forum which saw 30 leaders in the field come together to share their knowledge and research. Fish biologists and natural resource management officers were among those who shared information on topics such as Cod stomach contents, fishways and the River Blackfish.
On Tuesday the team headed to Warwick to host a "Talking Fish" workshop with the Warwick Fish Stocking Association and recreational fishermen.Read the full story here.
Darling Downs farmers are proving that healthy soil is good for the hip pocket. Queensland agronomist Ian Moss is working with local farmers and the agricultural industry to improve soil fertility and crop nutrition for better environmental and economic outcomes. Mr Moss, who runs Southbrook-based Farm Agronomy and Resource Management (FARM), led a bus tour around Jondaryan recently with 40 farmers. The group visited three farms near Quinalow, Irvingdale and Jondaryan and inspected trials, crops and machinery. “Farmers on the Darling Downs are demonstrating a real keenness to learn more about soil health and how to protect and enhance soil productivity,” Mr Moss said. Read the full story here
October 2011
High school students across the Darling Downs are being rallied to join the crusade in 2012. Condamine Alliance has launched the next round of funding in the highly successful Condamine Crusaders program. Schools can apply for a $500 grant to start an environment club or $1000 for an existing group to carry out an environmental project. Condamine Alliance Chief Executive Officer Phil McCullough said students have the potential to make a positive difference. Read the full story here
Beefed up efforts for regional industry
A regional research committee is beefing up efforts in research and development for the south west Queensland beef industry. The South Queensland Regional Beef Research Committee provides advice and input to Meat Livestock Australia (MLA) to guide their research and development priorities. The committee includes beef producers from across the region and representatives from Condamine Alliance, Queensland Murray-Darling Committee, Department of Employment Economic Development and Innovation, University of Queensland and CSIRO. Read the full story here
Dairy farmers were told their growing pile of cow manure could hold the key to improved soil health and crop and pasture yields during a recent field day in Gowrie Junction. Event organiser and Director of Precision Agriculture Tim Neale said the manure piles are an untapped resource and have huge potential particularly on dairy farms. Read the full story here
Students become real scientists in their own backyard
Something fishy is happening in science lessons this term at Killarney State School. Year 9 students are trading the classroom for the banks of Spring Creek to help scientists gather information about the River Blackfish. The fish-focused program is the upshot of an extensive research study between Condamine Alliance and scientists at the Australian Rivers Institute at Griffith University. Read the full story here
Tomorrow's farmers get expert advice today
A new rural youth mentor program will link young farmers with industry experts to equip them with the skills and knowledge for the future. The Condamine Alliance Leadership through the Ages program will connect 20 enthusiastic young farmers and rural operators with a network of active and semi-retired scientists across the disciplines of climate science, policy, teamwork and community engagement. The program will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to create a viable future in the rural industry. Read the full story here
Award winning scientist swaps reef for river
An award-winning water scientist has swapped the Great Barrier Reef for the Condamine river in south west Queensland to take up a leading water role. Carl Mitchell moved from Mackay in north Queensland to be the new Water Leader at Condamine Alliance in Toowoomba. His role will involve overseeing the entire water projects, funding and improvement works program for the Condamine catchment which covers 2.75 million hectares and includes the 500 kilometre-long Condamine River and its many tributaries. Read the full story here
September 2011
Fishing day serves up carp feast
European Carp was the catch of the day at the recent Carp Fishing Day in Warwick. More than 300 people turned out for the fishing competition as part of the Love my River celebrations held by Condamine Alliance and the Condamine Headwaters Landcare Group. The day’s efforts netted 60 pest fish including European Carp and Goldfish. The heaviest fish weighed in at 3.2 kilograms and prizes were awarded to everyone who caught a pest fish. Read the full story here
Circle of culture and knowledge on banks of Myall Creek
A place of rest, reflection and story-telling has been created on the banks of Myall Creek to celebrate the river and local Aboriginal culture. The Talking Circle, which will be officially opened tomorrow by Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Ray Brown, comprises six carved concrete seats arranged in a circle. The installation is a modern interpretation of an Aboriginal talking circle and was inspired by the knowledge and insight of local Traditional Custodians and members of the Aboriginal community into river management. Each seat features hand-carved images by world-renowned Aboriginal artist Laurie Nilsen who worked with the local Aboriginal community and school students to develop the artwork. Read the full story here
New study reaches into fishy territory
The results of a new study will arm local wetland managers with the knowledge to better manage and protect the Condamine-Balonne catchment. The study is the result of a joint project between Condamine Alliance and the Queensland Wetlands Program which is an initiative of the Australian and Queensland governments. The study focuses on aquatic connectivity along the Dewfish Demonstration Reach in south-central Queensland. Read the full story here
Science leader takes a trip for sake of catchment
A Toowoomba scientist will use a travelling bursary to create a report card on the state of the Condamine catchment. Condamine Alliance Science Leader Lucy Richardson will accept the 2011 Murray Darling Association Travelling Bursary award at tonight’s annual Murray Darling Association conference dinner in Dalby (Thursday 8 September). The bursary is awarded each year to allow a younger catchment management authority employee to expand their knowledge and skill base by visiting other areas of natural resource management significance across the Murray Darling Basin. Read the full story here
River rescue work earns special membership
Saving native fish and their habitat has earned the Condamine Alliance River Rescue Program special membership. The Program has been awarded with Associate Membership from the Oakey Freshwater Fish Stocking Association for its work in the Dewfish Demonstration Reach. The Dewfish Demonstration Reach is a 75 kilometre stretch of water way that incorporates parts of Myall Creek, Oakey Creek and the Condamine River. Members of the group and the River Rescue Program have worked together along different sections of the Reach for the past five years. The partnership began in 2006 with a significant improvement project of Oakey Creek at Bowenville Reserve which involved replanting along the sides of the creek and improving habitat shelters in the water. Read the full story here.
July 2011
The lonely Paddock Tree to share its story in photographic competitionHave you ever driven around your local countryside and admired a particular tree, standing alone in the paddock, and wondered what its story was? A photographic competition running within the Condamine catchment for the next three weeks is celebrating these trees and the role they play in our local environment. Landholders and managers are encouraged to share the stories of their own paddock trees by submitting a photograph and story to Condamine Alliance for the chance to win $250. ‘Paddock trees are an iconic feature in our landscape,’ said Condamine Alliance CEO, Phil McCullough. Read the full story here.
June 2011
Workshops Dish Dirt on Organics
Darling Downs producers on the lookout for ways to increase their productivity as well as profitability should keep their eyes on a new project digging deeper into organic fertiliser options. The collaborative Exploring Organic Fertilisers project kicked off this week with a series of informal workshops co-hosted by Condamine Alliance and Pathway Ag (a division of Pursehouse Rural). Read the full story here.
May 2011
Dig Into Organic Fertiliser Options In Darling Downs
How much do we know about organic versus conventional fertlisers? A series of free informal workshop being held across the Darling Downs from 6 to 10 June are providing the chance to begin to look closer at organic fertliser options. Condamine Alliance is partnering with Pathway Ag (a division of Pursehouse Rural) to host the workshops to kick off the collaborative Exploring Organic Fertilisers project. Read the full story here.
The annual Smoked Fish Junior Fishing competition was held last Sunday at Archers Crossing in Chinchilla. ow in its third year, the competition aims to promote the no smoking message to youth of the Western Downs Regional Council area. The event is about teaching the youth about the importance of a healthy diet and healthy activities - that there are better things in life than drugs and alcohol,’ said Condamine Alliance’s River Rescue Coordinator, Kevin Graham. Read the full story here.
$100 000 Assists Our Environment to Recover
$100 000 is being invested into the Condamine catchment to support environmental recovery after the recent floods. The Australian Government has recognised the impact of the recent floods in the catchment and is making additional resources available to support landholders and communities in affected areas, through the peak natural resource management organization in the catchment, Condamine Alliance. Read the full story here.
February 2011
A love of Myall Creek brings volunteers together
The much loved banks of Myall Creek are one step closer to returning to their natural state after being strewn with rubbish by recent flood waters. Condamine Alliance, the natural resource management organisation for the Condamine catchment, partnered with Western Downs Regional Council and Queensland Fisheries to organise a clean up on Saturday along the banks of the Myall Creek, from the Edward St Weir to Wambo Street. Read the full story here.
January 2011
As a result of the devastating floods of 2011 free satellite imagery maps are being offered to Darling Downs floodplain landholders to assist them review the extent of damage to their property and plan for the future. Early estimates puts the inundation by flood water at 100 000ha. Read the full story here.
Condamine Alliance is excited to announce that eight High Schools from across the Condamine catchment have been successful in becoming Condamine Crusaders. Read the full story here.
Free Flood Map - A valuable opportunity for Darling Downs farmers
As a result of the devastating floods of 2011 free satellite imagery maps are being offered to floodplain landholders to assist them review the extent of damage to their property and plan for the future. Read the full story here.
December 2010
Is Free Range Bad For The Environment
As consumers increasingly demand free range eggs on supermarket shelves Condamine Alliance is funding a world first study to ensure any potential environmental impacts of this demand are identified. Read the full story here.
Condamine Alliance Achieves World First
Leaders in the management of our natural resources will come together today to celebrate with Condamine Alliance the achievement of a world first. Condamine Alliance will announce today that it is the first regional natural resource management organisation to achieve certification in ISO (International Organization for Standardisation). Read the full story here.
November 2010
High school students from across the Condamine catchment are being encouraged to become environmental crusaders through the launch of Condamine Alliance’s new schools program. Read the full story here.
October 2010
Chilean Needlegrass Under Attack
“Weed control is well underway to attack Chilean Needle Grass overgrowth in the southern parts of the Condamine catchment,” are the words of Condamine Alliance’s Biodiversity Leader, Jayne Thorpe after a meeting this week of the Chilean Needle Grass Management Group. Read the full story here.
September 2010
Independent Scientists Question the Science Behind Proposed Strategic Cropping Land Policy
A nine member team of concerned scientists applied their collective knowledge and experience to identify gaps and areas for improvement in the Queensland Government’s Strategic Cropping Land Policy Framework. Read full story here.
Carp Research defines DIY Solutions
An extensive study of the habitat and distribution of the river blackfish Gadopsis marmoratu in Spring Creek above Killarney reveals this tough little survivor prefers cold running water and dark places. Read full story here.
Archived
Nicky Fish a Shady Type
An extensive study of the habitat and distribution of the river blackfish Gadopsis marmoratu in Spring Creek above Killarney reveals this tough little survivor prefers cold running water and dark places. Read the full story here.
Talking Grass
Members of Cambooya and Pittsworth Landcare groups met each other in the paddock last Wednesday to talk grass. Read the full story here.
Traditional Owners Advisory Committee Formed
Traditional Owners from across the Condamine catchment met today, in Toowoomba, to form a Traditional Owner Advisory Committee which will operate to work with Condamine Alliance, the region’s peak natural resource management organisation. Read the full story here.
Southern Downs Trainee Joins the Green Army
Elise O’Kane from Leyburn has barely left school but she's already building the foundations for the future through skills she is learning on a Green Army traineeship. Read the full story here.
Egg-citment at World First Study
A world first study into soil nutrient levels in poultry production had Egg Farmers from across the state converging on Toowoomba to hear the results, last week. Read the full story here.
Women Speak on Agriculture and Climate Change
Climate change, agriculture and policy were in the hearts and on the lips of women from across the Condamine catchment, and beyond, yesterday. Read the full story here.