Queensland field days

Sam Skeat

Sam Skeat has been presenting at several field days in northern Queensland recently with the message that rehydrated landscapes are more resilient to fire and drought, and can help mitigate some flooding effects. This In turn benefits local creeks and ultimately the Great Barrier Reef with water kept on properties and reduced sediment runoff. The events were organised by NQ Dry Tropics.

Flagstone field day 

Held at Flagstone Station and Mt Pleasant Station near Bowen in north Queensland, this event showcased cost-effective gully interventions such as diversion banks and porous check dams, with Sam presenting on on-ground techniques to prevent soil runoff by capturing and holding water in the landscape. 

Graziers were also able to see first-hand how producers have increased water infiltration, reduced erosion and maximised pasture function.

This event was funded by the Queensland Environment Department Reef Water Quality Program and is part of the Landholders Driving Change project. 

Graziers hear from Sam Skeat at Flagstone Station

Landscape Rehydration Field Day

Landholders Matt and Sally McKeering hosted around forty graziers at this event at Carinya Station near Alpha in early November 2020. 

Sam described how managing land to reinstate natural water flow can increase soil health and pasture cover, thus extending the growing season and increasing drought resilience. 

The event was funded by the Australian Government's National Landcare Program and supported by CHRRUP as part of the Burdekin Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator project.