Join Us to Hear from Leading Landcarers and Environmental Practitioners at the National Landcare Conference
The National Landcare Network (NLN) is pleased to present the speakers for the upcoming Tuesday Lunchtime Session, ‘Practical Tools and Stories for Landcarers’, which will be held on Tuesday, 23rd September, from 1:20pm to 2:10pm in Room 6 at the National Landcare Conferenece. This event, open to all Landcare groups and volunteers, offers an excellent opportunity to gain practical insights, learn from real-world experiences, and receive expert advice from some of Queensland’s most respected landcarers. The session will be facilitated by Mary-Lou Gittins OAM, Chair of Queensland Water and Land Carers.
Among the presenters is Mark van Ryt from Gulf Rivers Landcare Inc, who will deliver a presentation titled “Outback Landcare Adventures – Twinning with B4C.” Mark, a longstanding resident of Mount Isa, has dedicated many years to Landcare and is deeply passionate about fostering strong connections between people and the environment. In addition to his noteworthy environmental leadership, Mark is renowned for his campfire cooking, particularly his skill in preparing damper over coals. As a former Director of Queensland Water and Land Carers, he will share valuable stories and lessons from the outback, with a focus on the importance of collaboration in Landcare initiatives.
Aleisha Keating, Manager of Hinterland Bush Links, will also be presenting. Hinterland Bush Links is a not-for-profit organisation based in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, working closely with landholders, volunteers, and other environmental organisations to protect and restore native vegetation for landscape-scale conservation in the region. Aleisha will provide insights from several significant projects, including their two-year Koala Habitat Project, the Roving Restorers program, the Upper Mary Valley Weed Vine Project, and a variety of education events. Her experience demonstrates the positive impact of empowering and educating landholders to improve wildlife corridors and enhance biodiversity.
Rod Johnson, Manager of the Lake Baroon Catchment Care Group (LBCCG), brings his expertise to the session as the recently-appointed leader of this not-for-profit organisation. LBCCG specialises in engaging rural landholders to implement on-ground projects aimed at reducing risks to water quality within the Lake Baroon Catchment. The group’s work, funded primarily by Seqwater which owns the Lake Baroon bulk water supply, encompasses off-stream stock watering, riparian fencing, revegetation, weed management, and landslip remediation and prevention. Rod will discuss some of the innovative work currently occurring with landslips to stabilise steep hillslopes and help reduce the sediment flowing into Lake Baroon. Installation of well sumps and sub-surface wing drains to intercept shallow groundwater from highly unstable hillslopes and redirect the water to beneficial uses downslope has helped mitigate the high rainfall environment of the Maleny area. The wells act to reduce soil water loads and pressures that can lead to slope failure while diverse vegetation on these areas is re-established.
Lachie McBride, Chair of the Sarina Landcare Catchment Management Association (SLCMA), will address the topic of alternative funding for Landcare projects. SLCMA is a community-based non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural environment within the Sarina Catchment area, which includes streams from Alligator Creek to Flaggy Rock Creek. The association undertakes a wide array of natural resource management and Landcare initiatives, such as revegetation, weed control, and habitat rehabilitation, with notable efforts at Louisa Creek Reserve and through the management of a Feral Pig Control Group. SLCMA is distinguished by its grassroots approach, engaging a broad network of stakeholders—ranging from landowners and local industries to community groups and youth. The association runs a community nursery, organises workshops and field days, and provides free property visits and land management advice to support sustainable practices. Its governance is entrusted to a voluntary management committee, with funding sourced from government programs and community grants.
This session promises to be an invaluable gathering for anyone involved in Landcare, offering practical tools, inspiring stories, and expert perspectives from some of the state’s leading practitioners. All are welcome to attend and benefit from the collective wisdom and experience of these dedicated landcarers.
If you would like more information about the sessions, please contact Mary-Lou Gittins, OAM and Chairperson of Queensland Water and Land Carers (QWaLC) at chairperson@qwalc.org.au.