CENTRAL QUEENSLAND TOUR TO TEACH BENEFITS OF BRIGALOW STUDY

The effects of land clearing on brigalow country will be studied on a special tour near Moura, in Central Queensland tomorrow (September 26).

The tour will show participants the Department of Natural Resources and Water’s Brigalow Catchment Study at the Brigalow Research Station.

Around 30 people including landholders, scientists and community groups have registered to take part in the field day, which focuses on the 40-year study and how it can be applied to natural resource management and planning.

Minister for Natural Resources and Water Craig Wallace said the study identified impacts which occurred as a result of clearing brigalow lands.

“The study found that the clearing had many impacts including doubling the amount of runoff, increased deep drainage and salinity risk,” Mr Wallace said.

Delegates on the day trip will tour the site before taking part in workshops designed to develop partnerships for the use of the study site and its data under the themes of land, water and climate.

“The day is all about applying knowledge gain from the study in a practical way,” Mr Wallace said.

“This unique study has brought a wealth of information about the impacts of land clearing and it is important that we promote the benefits of the study and also encourage others to use this resource to benefit the broader community.”

The tour will depart Rockhampton on Wednesday, September 26 at 7am.

Managed by NRW with support from the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, the Brigalow Catchment Study began in 1965.

More information on the study can be found at www.nrw.qld.gov.au/factsheets/pdf/catchments/c5.pdf

Media inquiries: Caroline Kaurila, Craig Wallace’s office, on (07) 3896 3694.